"encouraging one another"
Hebrews 10:24-25
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Encouraging each other is possibly the most underrated yet easiest thing that we can do for one another. Encouragement is like fuel for the soul, especially for people who are empathetic.
We all need it from time to time but 'empathetic people particularly.
It's not because they chase recognition or glory, it's because as they press forward with their ministries, they are constantly being exposed to the problems and situations that people have.
The help that some need can begin to take it's toll on their emotions and it's because the closer we walk in alignment with the will of God, the more empathetic we become.
Empathetic people are notoriously people who not only can step into the shoes of others to experience what they are experiencing, but they also are known to carry the weight of the people their trying to help.
Some empathetic people are good at finding solutions for problems, or at least good at trying to, and those people run out of fuel easily.
Then we have others, they are good at energizing people, helping them refocus on what they're task at hand and those are our Encouragers.
Encouragers can be much like Empathetic people, they tend to have a soft touch, they know what to say and when to say it.
They cry when you cry and celebrate when you feel like dancing!
Their voices are like 'Our Father Himself', whispering,... Saying, "Keep pressing forward my child, soon you'll know exactly how much love I have, and why I say "my endures forever"
We all need Encouragers!
But empathathic people particularly.
They are tender and inclined to be sensitive, even though sometimes they may seem to be a little rough around the edges! It's only because the lives they lived may have been abusive in may cases, so they have become 'Masters' at disguising their pain and the amount of abuse they actually can take.
We all bleed in one regard or another, but with these people it rarely shows.
They are also notorious 'givers.
They are the people that would give you the shirt off their back if they thought it would help!
They don't always seem happy, even though they are, they have just grown accustomed to wearing their 'Poker Face'.
A disguise because it's what they've done for their entire lives, it's how they've honed their skill. Mainly just to be able to survive, or maybe God put them in those lives so they would be empathetic?
When your with them, and it's time to celebrate, they enjoy it, but not always as enthusiastically as you.
This is because they insist on helping, doing for others as they would have done to them. Which also means that that they probably have a handful of people they are trying to help. Before one problem can be solved another is on it's way and they're all ready on top of it. Almost as though they knew it was coming?
They stay awake at night, trying to come up with solutions to problems that nobody else can seem to solve.
These people actually have to have Encouragers, it's almost like they were built for each other!
Do we think God didn't know, when He created them both? Each for each other?That God didn't know what He was doing?
Encourager's are probably the one's that become empathetic people. Once they've given all they have, they still are compelled to stay in the fight even to it's bitter end!
Encouragement and Empathy are so closely woven together that you may not be able to tell them apart!
And I suppose that was the whole point when God created them both and puts them together, all for His glory!
So maybe this serves as a reminder, that encouragement is easy, all it takes sometimes is a genuine smile!
Just make sure it genuine though because the same people who identify with pain are also the ones who can identify deceipt and can be hurt easily when they run out of fuel.
God Created everyone for a purpose, if you haven't yet figured out what yours is, be an Encourager! Eventually you're going to be one anyway. Amen? 🙏
Encouragement plays a crucial role in nurturing emotional and spiritual well-being, especially for empathetic people who often carry the burdens of others alongside their own. These individuals are uniquely sensitive to the pains and struggles around them and serve as pillars of support in their communities. However, the very nature of their compassion can sometimes lead to emotional exhaustion, making encouragement not just helpful but essential. Biblical references emphasize the importance of uplifting one another. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages believers to "encourage one another and build each other up," highlighting that community support strengthens faith and perseverance. This ties well with the referenced passage Hebrews 10:24-25 about stirring up love and good works and not neglecting fellowship. In practical terms, encouragement doesn't have to be grand gestures. A genuine smile, listening ear, or timely words of affirmation can reignite someone's spirit just when they need it most. For those empathetic individuals who tend to mask their pain with a stoic exterior or "poker face," authentic encouragement helps break through those defenses and reminds them that they are seen, valued, and loved. Moreover, encouragers and empathetic people often complement each other perfectly—encouragers help recharge the emotional fuel of empathetic caregivers who tirelessly seek solutions for problems that affect others. This symbiotic relationship fosters resilience in both, empowering them to continue their important missions. In modern life, where stress, isolation, and hardships are prevalent, intentionally practicing encouragement can serve as a form of ministry and healing. Encouragement empowers individuals to endure difficulties, sparks hope, and can even inspire newfound strength to carry on. Remembering that God created each person for a purpose can motivate us all to be encouragers in our environments. Whether or not one naturally identifies as empathetic, offering encouragement is an accessible yet impactful way to contribute to the emotional and spiritual health of others. By building one another up, we honor the calling to love and serve as exemplified in Scripture, ultimately bringing glory to God and fostering a faithful community. In essence, encouragement is both a compassionate action and a spiritual discipline that sustains and uplifts, especially as we navigate the challenges of life together.
