10.30.24. Be an Encourager Today!

3 John A Balm in Gilead

The Apostle John is writing to a personal friend, Gaius. His words to him remind us of this hymn: There is a Balm in Gilead. “Sometimes I feel discouraged, And deep I feel the pain, In prayers the Holy Spirit revives my soul again” So it is when we need that balm that heals, a friend sends us words of encouragement. 

John has learned from others that Gaius is living according to the truth. In fact, John records this phrase twice! How encouraging to know that Gaius “ demonstrates faithfulness by whatever he does for the brothers”  and even more so in that he demonstrates that to complete strangers! What a great compliment to receive and how encouraged Gaius must have been at receiving this letter from a dear close friend. 

Today, who needs this word of encouragement? Who needs the words of that great hymn: There is a Balm in Gilead? Remember this stanza as you wade through today’s many appointments: “If you can’t pray like Peter, If you can’t be like Paul. Go home and tell your neighbor, He died to save us all.”

Be an encourager today to someone, pray for them, and send them gracious words that are a balm.  You are where you are today to  edify and lift someone up.