VALUE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing". This admonition is repeated often in Paul's epistles. I could give dozens of examples as to how important encouragement is to us. But, I'm going to limit the examples to one from Dr. Tim Irwin, a consultant to organizations in 25 countries. He tells of a special night in the life of his son William. William had played football for 8 years through middle school and high school. He was chosen co-captain of his high school football team during his senior year. The team had a great season and they reached the second round of the high school state playoffs. The game was an epic battle. William's team was down by two touchdowns at halftime, but came back in the second half. They were driving down the field in the final minute to tie the score. But, time ran out before they could cross the goal line. The team was crushed, especially the seniors, including William. Dr. Irwin went on to the field at the end of the game to console his son. As he was comforting his disappointed son, he saw the head coach of the opposing team walking across the field toward them. The coach said to Dr. Irwin, "Sir, may I speak with your son?" He put his hands on William's shoulders and looked into his eyes and said, "Son, tonight you played an outstanding game, and you left nothing on the field. You displayed great character and courage in the way you led your teammates, and it was an honor to play against you." He smiled and hugged William and walked back across the field to his team.
The words of the coach of the opposing team had transforming influence. William's attitude changed and he was renewed. Six months later, William entered the U.S. Naval Academy, serving for over seven years.
That encouragement William received at a low point in his life turned out to be Words of Life. That is what encouragement is all about. That's why the Word of God admonishes us so often to be encouraging one another.
