My youngest son is part of a choir and made me proud the other day. He had told me about a friend in his class that could sing really loud and really good! He told me how this friend was trying out for a special solo and was confident that he would get it. He was genuinely excited for his friend. In turn, there was a time in the past where my oldest son didn’t make the all-stars for his baseball team. He understood why and knew that he would just try harder in the future. More than that though, he showed up to the all-star game anyway, just to cheer on his friends who did make it. He was proud and supportive of them. As a mom, this brings my heart joy when I see and hear my children cheering others on in their gifts and abilities. It’s less about competition and more about encouragement, kindness, and love. We live in a competitive world that spends more energy on competition and less on genuine care. Friend, God gave us our own strengths and abilities to use in whichever way and whenever He calls us to use them. We must spend more time cheering each other on to use those gifts. Friend, to show love is to show care and encouragement too, especially for His glory.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Encouragement

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

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