Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 20:9, But Jonathan said, “Far be it from you! For if I knew certainly that evil was determined by my father to come upon you, then would I not tell you?”
Sometimes encouragement comes from some of the most unexpected places or unlikely people. Although it is true that Jonathan and David were closer than brothers, we must still observe the facts that King Saul was Jonathan’s father, and he stood to inherit the throne as his son. This must have resonated in David’s mind as he conversed with Jonathan, while trying to avoid being killed by Saul and his men. Yet, Jonathan remained faithful to David, and now speaks words of encouragement to him. When was the last time we spoke words of encouragement to someone who was in great need of hearing them? Colossians 4:6 admonishes us, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” In other words, our speech should be edifying and encouraging to one another. However, there are those times when God puts us before someone, not just to speak words of encouragement, but to follow those words up with actions of encouragement. This requires that we not be so involved in self that we overlook the needs of others. Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Words of encouragement go a long way when we are down and trying to survive difficult times, but someone coming along side us during those times goes a long way in helping us stand firm and moving ahead by faith. God did not intend for us to fight the battles of life by ourselves. Even Jesus sent his disciple out two by two (Mark 6:7). Galatians 6:2 tells us to, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” James 2:14-17 also tells us, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Now, I want to caution us right here. Some will use this portion of Scripture to try and guilt us into giving them money or some other material thing. In encouraging and helping others, we must be wise and sensitive to God’s leading as far as who He wants us to minister to and help. When Jesus was here on earth, He did not heal everyone. He served, healed, and provided for those whom He encountered as He walked this earth, but He did not do this for all. Although He provided for the physical need of some, He was more concerned with meeting the spiritual needs of the world. In Luke 19:10 He said that He came to seek and save the lost. So it will be with us. We will not be able to be there for everyone we meet, but the Lord will make it clear when He has put us in a position to minister to, and help, the person(s) that truly need to hear a word of encouragement, or need a helping hand. The one thing we can offer to all those we meet, which is needed more than anything we could help them with, is the Gospel message. Jonathan not only tried to encourage David with what he said to him, but he also made himself available to help him determine whether King Saul was really seeking to harm him, and then help him escape King Saul’s attempts. Others will not always have material needs. Sometimes the need is that of our time, talents, or abilities. As a matter of fact, sometimes it is more difficult and challenging to give of our time than it is to give of our material resources. I would like to remind us that Jesus did not just say, “I love you”, He proved it by His actions by laying down His life for us. So, I ask again, “When was the last time we spoke words of encouragement to others?” The better question is, “When was the last time we backed those words up with actions that not only encouraged others, but also proved our faith and showed the love of Jesus?”
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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