by Ryan Schnee, Village Missionary at Middle Lake Gospel Church
One morning in November, we woke up to nine inches of heavy snow drifted onto our driveway, with more piled up against our back door. After canceling our morning Bible study, I headed out to begin shoveling.
This abrupt start to this winter exercise routine was more daunting than most years. (An injury has prevented me from keeping up my regular exercise routines that preserve some level of abdominal and back strength into the second half of my forties.)
I succeeded in clearing a path about four feet wide and twenty feet long when I considered taking a break. Then our youngest daughter appeared in the window of the garage door. In a few moments she was outside and had grabbed a second shovel. Her cheerful help was the inspiration that I needed to keep working. We cleared the whole driveway except for one drift.
The Best Way to Encourage
This experience was a reminder that I, like most people, work harder and longer when someone is working with me. The writer of Hebrews says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:23–24, NIV).
We should consider helping others out as one of the best ways to encourage them. Cheering people on in their Christian walk and expressing gratitude for their good deeds are both important, but there is something about having someone roll up their sleeves next to us that pushes us on in a way that words can’t.
The apostle Paul notes frequently how his co-workers in Christ were an encouragement to both him and the churches they served in. Writing to Philemon – his “dear friend and fellow worker” – Paul says, “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1–7, NIV)
Practical Encouragement in Ministry
At home our initiative to wash the dishes or tidy up can be the stimulus for the rest of the family to join us. If we aren’t the first to get out of our chair, joining in the effort will encourage those who started and help carry the work on to completion.
In the seniors home, going for a walk with a neighbour up and down the halls can be the encouragement they need to keep moving and preserve their strength and abilities. Sitting down and helping them with a puzzle can keep them engaged and their minds sharp.
At church, when we help clear snow, set up tables, or attend and participate in a Sunday School class, our efforts can be a great encouragement to others and spur them on to persevere in their love and good deeds.
