The Encourager

It’s that time of the year around the country when flowers and garden vegetables are blooming and producing. My husband and I recently planted some vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees/bushes in our back yard, and I am quickly learning that just because a plant's information tag says that it does well in full sun, that does not mean that it will do well in TEXAS full sun. If you’ve ever been to Texas in the summer then you will understand that not many living things want to be outside unless plenty of water is nearby to be drenched in (or am I’m just not Texas tough yet?).

Well, I’m no gardening or flower expert, but I do know a pretty flower when I see one, and hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers - partly because they remind me of my mom and childhood memories and partly because they are just stunning. We were blessed to be able to bring a beautiful hydrangea plant home from our church's Mother's Day foyer decoration leftovers and plant it at our home. 

Hydrangeas are stunning flowers, and, depending on the pH in the soil, they can turn various shades of beautiful colors. The thing about hydrangeas that I've learned since having hydrangeas around in our previous home and now at our current home is that they need lots of consistent watering and very minimal harsh sunlight to remain upright and maintain their vibrancy. As most flowers and plants do, when they are unable to find nourishment from the soil and ground around them, they begin to wilt. They can seem to be lifeless and without hope of returning to their former self. The miraculous thing is that when they are given the daily water that they need, they are given the strength they need to lift themselves back up towards the sun and return to the posture of purpose and beauty. The key is not letting them be downcast too long. If left alone for too long, the chances of reviving flowers gets very low. Often God reteaches me things I've read in His word or heard from the pulpit through the things I see and work with in my everyday life. I just couldn’t help but see the correlation between the way my plants have been needing the careful tending and proper nourishment and how we as human beings need the same care in our lives to remain in an upright posture of purpose and positivity.

So many times in my life I’ve thought about how a hug from someone or an encouraging message from a friend has uplifted me. Encouragers are some of the most unsung life savers among us and their value in the Kingdom is priceless. I believe it is not an accident that there are many scriptures in the Bible instructing believers to encourage, uplift, help, and pray for one another.

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Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Ephesians 4:29, NIV

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIV

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

Philippians 2:4, NIV

"..not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Hebrews 3:13, NIV

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

Galatians 6:2, NIV

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

1 Peter 4:8, NIV

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Romans 15:2, NIV

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."

Romans 15:5, NIV

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,"

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God knows that sometimes we just need that consistent human touch of encouragement, a sprinkle of hope or a rain shower of love. Sometimes, we just need those that remember who we are, despite our wilting state, to remind us of who we have the potential to be or become and that our Creator is still near. 

People begin to wilt for so many reasons in life, but, if we can encourage in those crucial moments when we notice a brother or sister in need, they will be able to regain strength before they completely lose all hope and faith. Even those who are thriving can benefit from some extra encouragement. People around us don’t need to deserve encouragement; it’s a free gift that should overflow from the hope and love God pours into every child of God. Being an encourager is something worth striving for because it strengthens the body and in the process it strengthens the encourager. We never know when our day will come that we may be hoping for someone to take the time to encourage our souls, so be the one to take the time to care for someone around you and watch the care return to you tenfold. 

Encouraging does take intentionality, selflessness, and sensitivity to others needs, so if you want to be an encourager, pray and ask God to open your eyes to the needs of others, to help you have a servant's heart and mindset and to guide your actions and words when encouraging others. I know He will help you and He will guide you through His spirit and His Word. Encouragers never go out of style and are always needed in our world, so let’s keep striving together to uplift our fellow brothers and sisters, family, and those we meet in day to day life. Pour showers of hope down on everyone you meet and watch them become vibrant and flourishing creations. It will truly bless your soul.

Romans 15:5, NIV

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,"

Your sister in Christ and love,

Hillary Wheeler