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wellness BLOG

Encourage One Another

11/17/2020

2 Comments

 
Picture
Written by Pastor Richard Izzard
Virginia Satir, a Social Scientist, told delegates of the American Ortho-psychiatric Association that there is a cure for depression and discouragement that doesn't require a prescription, is free, and its even fun!  She reported that “every person for survival needs at least 4 hugs a day, for maintenance needs 8 hugs a day, and for growth, no less than 12 hugs a day.”  Obviously, especially in the days of social distancing our ‘hugs’ are associated with kind words, compliments, positive strokes, praises, approvals, thanks and commendations.   She also went on to say “negative comments are so devastating that it takes 99 positive strokes to combat one put down.”

When it is thought of in that way, the words of St. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 comes as a powerful reinforcement, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up.”  The word that St. Paul uses literally means “to mend one’s nets.”  As fishermen carefully check their nets at the end of each day’s catch, mending those places where mending is needed so that none would be lost.  So we, as children of God need to go all out to mend, repair, restore and strengthen our relationships, especially within the Body of Christ.  
Discouragement is one of the most devastating of all darts that the devil can throw our way.  It weakens us and the Body of Christ, so that we become even more vulnerable to the devil’s attacks.  I’ve heard the criticism that “the Christian army is the only army that shoots its wounded.”  No doubt we all have been wounded by sin, and there are times when we fall short of God’s glory, but by the love of God and by the price that Christ paid in full on the cross, we are healed and forgiven and made whole.   Therefore, let us not be guilty of “shooting the wounded.”  Rather let us be about the business of “building up the Body of Christ.”  (Ephesians 4:12)

These are difficult and discouraging times , but by God’s help and with the encouragement of one another we will get through it.  Let us not forget the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that we do have the One whom He sent to walk alongside us, as a Counselor and an Encourager, One who is with us always, helping us in crying to our Heavenly Father, “Abba!”
2 Comments
Stephen Gewecke
11/19/2020 04:48:58 pm

Thanks for the good words Dick! It is so important that our churches be places of encouragement. I am also reminded of the encouraging words of the context (5:1-12).
Remember who you are - children of the light
Live it out - sober and well dressed
Therefore encourage one another

Reply
Richard IZZARD
11/26/2020 11:06:49 am

Blessings....and thank you for all the encouragement you have given not only to me, but to the members of the NJ District....

Reply



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  • Home
    • About Us
    • What We Believe
    • Administration
    • Board of Directors
    • Find a LCMS Church or School Near You >
      • NJ District Congregations
      • NJ District Schools
      • Find an LCMS Church, School, or Rostered Worker
    • Contact
  • EVENTS
    • Fall Pastors Conference
    • Calendar
    • Spring Pastor's Conference
    • Mission Classic Golf Outing
  • SERVICES
    • Congregational Services >
      • District Communications >
        • Communications Blog
      • Lutheran Schools & Early Childhood Centers
      • Parish Nursing
      • Worker Wellness >
        • Wellness Blog
    • Outreach & Missions >
      • Adult Ministry
      • Disaster Response
      • Stewardship & Financial Support Services
      • Lily the Comfort Dog
      • Mission and Ministry to Military, Veterans and Their Families
    • Partners in Ministry
  • AID & GRANTS
    • Financial Aid for LCMS Students
    • CHEF Grants
  • RESOURCES
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Curated Articles & Papers
    • Resources on Racism
    • Recorded Workshops
    • Legal Resources
    • District Documents
    • Resources for Clergy >
      • District Directory
      • In Commemoration of the Reformation
      • 2020 Winter Pastors Conference Presentation Slides
      • Leaders & Learners
    • Resources for Congregations >
      • Congregations & Workers
    • District Convention 2018 >
      • Reports
  • DISTRICT CONVENTION
    • 2021 NJ District Convention Updates
    • Convention Information
    • Reports to the 2021 District Convention
    • Essayists
  • BLOG
    • Health Blog
  • Give