i double dog dare you!

so encouragement is something that i hold near and dear to my heart. i love to give people notes, letters, small words of encouragement, gifts, etc, basically anything that will let them know that i love them and who the lord has created them to be...no matter where they are in life.

i guess my reasoning behind it is because i cherish the moments when i am encouraged. i know what it is like to be on the receiving end and sometimes all it takes is one person encouraging me and taking a moment out of their schedule to talk to me and just be there to change my perspective. think about it. youre having a crummy day and one of your friends comes by and either gives you a hug, sends you a text, or whatever it may be and its like BAM! your day is better. have you ever thought that we are called to be that to someone else?

as christians we are called to be different, even backwards. we are called to be like christ. we live in a world where its all about us and we have a mindset of self 24-7. we are told constantly that we are to do what makes us happy, what benefits us, what makes us look good....and sometimes i believe it and you believe it. we arent supposed to go out of our way to help others or build them up but according to 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are to "encourage one another and build each other up."

even though it sounds simple, we tweak it so it will fit us the best way possible. something like encourage one another only when you have time or when youre having a good day. build each other up so people will give you a pat on the back and say how much of a "christian" you are. i have searched through many translations and i havent found one that says that at all. interesting eh?

so here is my challenge to you: even when you dont feel like it, even when you may not be in the mood to build someone up....do it. encourage one another...push each other on in a loving way that makes them want to be jesus to someone. its about choosing truth over comfort. choosing to believe that being obedient is far better than self desires.

find someone who needs encouragement and love them. love them well. be jesus to them and show them that this life that we choose to live is worth it. i double dog dare you!