The Greeks have a word for ‘encouragement’ that is actually very like what we think of as empathy. It comes from the idea of being with someone in their story.
In Thessalonians, Paul shows empathy for those who are disheartened, and have lost the hope they once had.
Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
Paul tells us to encourage those who have lost hope. It can be difficult to spend time in the company of someone who is disheartened as their emotions are can be hard to deal with. However if we truly want to be like Christ then we must be willing to reach out to those who finding life difficult. We must not allow us talking to someone who is disheartened, to bring us down, and make us also feel disheartened – yes, we might feel sadness or anger, but we mustn’t let allow us to lose hope.
There is good news in all this as we know that the disheartening things of this world do not have the final say, as the peace and joy of Christ will overcome the sadness they feel. It will remind them that no matter what, they are not alone and they can have hope for the future.
Go on be an encourager today!
The Distinct Dot 