“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11, ESV) Joses, whom his fellow believers called Barnabas, was an encourager. That’s how he obtained his nickname. Barnabas means “son of encouragement.” He was the kind of person we would all appreciate having as…
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8, ESV) I recently read a statement that said, “As you move about this world, be more than just another passing face — be a source of grace” (author unknown). It reminded me that…
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face.” (Proverbs 15:13, ESV) I discovered something today. The word smile is not in the Bible, or at least not in the King James Version. It does appear a few times in other versions, but usually in supplication for God to smile (shine) upon…
“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of…
Luke 8:16-18 MSG “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a washtub or shoves it under the bed. No, you set it up on a lamp stand so those who enter the room can see their way. We’re not keeping secrets; we’re telling them. We’re not hiding…
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” 2 Timothy 2:24 I am really not a people person, I struggle with small talk and have little patience for “difficult” people. This is why I…
“But you, the Lord God, are kind and merciful. You don’t easily get angry, and your love can always be trusted.” Psalms 86:15 CEV There are many times when those around us, hurt us. Moments of betrayal, abandonment and unkind words that can break our hearts, and cause us to…
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Prov. 31:25-26 I look at what people are wearing. Sometimes I wonder if some people do not have a full-length mirror in…
“So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10, New English Translation). November 13 of each year is celebrated as World Kindness Day. Although it has “world” in the title, only certain…