Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

At the end of my first year of teaching, I encouraged my nine-year-old students to continue to develop and use their God-given talents. On a small piece of paper, I wrote a personal message for each child. I rolled these notes into little scrolls and tied them with ribbons.

Many years later, a young woman approached me, opened her purse and pulled out her scroll! She thanked me for encouraging her to use her writing skills. She is now an author of Christian materials for children. I am amazed at how the Spirit develops our gifts so we can encourage one another to do the same.

What gifts of encouragement can you share with those in your life? Find creative ways to share Christ’s love with others.

Donna Bobb
Carmel, IN

Holy Spirit, continue to help me seek ways to use my gifts to encourage others. Amen.

Reflect: How are you encouraged by others? How can you uplift someone today?

Read: Philippians 4:13 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17