“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 1:3
The book of James discusses faith in action and explains that the our faith results in demonstrating love for God and love for others through our actions. We cannot achieve salvation through our deeds, but our good deeds demonstrate our changed hearts and the gratitude we have for God’s grace and mercy.
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God which He has given you.”
Deuteronomy 16:17
When we are encouraged by God, the natural response is to then encourage others – and perhaps one of the most practical ways we can do this is through service. When we serve others out of the abundance God has given us, we are blessed!
Here are 5 Ideas for you to serve others through Encouragement in Action:
Use the Tools I have:
We all have tools – lawn tools, business tools, kitchen tools, craft tools, educational tools, and of course regular household tools – and chances are we have tools that others do not. What a great encouragement we can offer others when we use our tools to serve each other!
Use the Skills I have:
What skills do you have? Cooking/baking, landscaping, mechanics, bookkeeping, teaching/tutoring, childcare, medical care, photography, decorating, sewing, household repair – the list could go on and on. How can you use something you are good at to encourage someone else?
Use the Time I have:
Even if we don’t own many tools or feel unskilled, we all have time (or can make time) to help someone. Offer to clean out gutters, walk the dog, make a meal, run errands, babysit, mow the grass, clean the house, check the mail, water the plants, read to a child. Think about what a difference just a little bit of time could make in someone else’s life!
Use the Money I have:
Perhaps you are super busy but have financial resources you can share. Purchase a gift card, pay for a house cleaner, donate to a cause, pay for an inspection, buy the food, purchase sports equipment, cover a bill. Go beyond a handout and use your gift to perform a needed service.
Use the Energy and Strength I have:
Energy and strength is a gift not everyone possesses. If you have even a little, give the gift of yourself to serve as a gopher, lifter, worker, digger, mover, etc. My kids make fun of my “magic finger” when I point to things that need to be done, but give someone the power to get things done in your strength as you serve and be sure to enjoy the fellowship while you work together!
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10