Daily Devotional

Loving your neighbor as yourself has to include encouraging and building up your neighbor. Encouraging others is important because most of the people you meet are hurting in some way, even if they don’t show it.

Encouraging your neighbors includes uplifting, supporting, cheering and reassuring them. Essentially what you’re doing is giving them hope because of the discouragement they feel. When trying to give discouraged neighbors hope, we have to remember that a real and lasting sense of hope can be found only in Jesus Christ. That means the best way to encourage struggling people is to point them to our Lord.

In my church growing up we did Backyard Kids Clubs every summer. We’d go to one of our church member’s houses, and bring in a puppet stage, music, games, crafts, and a treat. We’d pack out these backyards with every kid we could find in the neighborhood. I started in ministry when I was in 7th grade, working at Backyard Kids Club. I was a crayon passer-outer. I set up the game. I loaded and unloaded the equipment. I set-up and tore down. Beyond that I sat with the kids in attendance and helped with crowd control. Essentially, I was a gopher…go-for this, go-for that.

And as I worked and served over the years, the leader started to notice in me a passion and ability to teach and lead. I was given responsibility for the game. As I explained the rules and got everyone organized, I was encouraged in that. Then I was given responsibility to teach the craft. I was encouraged in that. Then I was given the opportunity to teach the lesson. The kids responded, even seeing kids come forward to receive Christ. I was encouraged in that. And after a few years went by, the Children’s Pastor said to me, “Brian, you’re ready to lead your own Backyard Kids Club.” And I did.

After working with Backyard Kids Clubs every summer, and other ministries during the year, this Children’s Pastor encouraged me to pursue full time vocational ministry. This was my call to ministry. This Pastor saw in me gifts and abilities that I would’ve never seen in myself. And he pushed me, guided me, and encouraged me every step of the way. He said, “Brian, you need to go to Bible College, then seminary, and eventually become a Pastor.” And he’s still a valuable mentor in my life to this day.

Who can you encourage today? It’s not hard. Assume the people you are interacting with are struggling in some way and find a way to share a kind word with them, affirm them in something they’re doing, smile. Send an uplifting note, text, email to someone. Praise the efforts of people who are trying hard even if they fall a little short. Listen to people who seem like they need to talk. Thank people. Pray for people and tell them you’re praying for them. Help people see their failures as something positive that they can learn from. Assure people that God loves them, will never leave them, and will comfort them if they place their grief at His feet. Encourage people to be patient and wait on the Lord, finding ways to be grateful for what the Lord has done for them. And commit to setting a Christ-like example for those around you each day.

New American Standard Bible (NASB)
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