Where ever you go
After spending some time there, Paul continued on through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia in central Turkey. And wherever he went he encouraged and strengthened the believers. ~ Acts 18:23
How do people feel when they see you walking toward them? When family, friends, and co-workers are around, do they rejoice in visiting with you or do they try to avoid you? Many people justify their lack of popularity by blaming something they were born with or into. Others say it is because of things they have suffered in their past. Maybe they come from a poverty background or from a different country. The truth is that most people enjoy or dislike being around you based on how they feel when the conversation is finished. If they leave your presence feeling uplifted and encouraged, then chances are they will want to see you again. If they cannot wait to get away because you unload your “problems” or always need something from them every time you are around, then they will likely walk the other way the next time they see you coming.
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul traveled through many regions, stopping to visit believers along the way. The passage says that wherever he went, he encouraged and strengthened the believers. God’s people were always glad to see Paul because they knew the time he spent with them would strengthen their faith and relationship with the Lord. On the other hand, there were people in almost every city who despised him and tried to silence his message. It was not because of where he came from or something in his past. It was simply because of the words he spoke and the encouragement he brought with him wherever he went.
If you find yourself today feeling neglected or left out, consider the words you are speaking when you are around others. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in your relationships and guide you in being a blessing to all those you meet. Pay attention to what others are saying and notice the needs you can help with. Become the type of person who leaves others feeling encouraged and inspired, and you will no longer need to worry about people avoiding you.
Here are some steps you can take to get started today:
- Begin your day with prayer, asking God to use your words to strengthen and encourage others
- Be intentional to listen more than you speak, showing people that you value what they share
- Speak words of hope and life instead of focusing on problems or negativity
- Look for opportunities to help meet small needs, such as offering prayer, support, or acts of kindness
- End each conversation with encouragement so the other person feels uplifted
Today I want to encourage you to follow the example of the apostle Paul by encouraging and strengthening people wherever you go. Be the kind of person that others love to be around because they leave your presence feeling energized and inspired to live for the Lord. Avoid wasting your words on gossip, world crises, or arguments that do not bring life. Instead, use your words to help others focus on what is good and productive. Make the change today to be an encouragement to those around you, and soon you will help others do the same wherever you go.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 18:18-23
18 So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow.
19 And he came to Ephesus and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,
21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.
23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
Journal:
- Who in my life is God calling me to encourage today?
- What kinds of words do people hear from me most often, and how can I improve them?
- How can I become more intentional about strengthening others in their faith?
The Daily Dose 