Encouraging each other to be encouragers

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: On a sports team, when the score is against us, what do we do to each other? As we raise kids, how do we approach our children to change their behavior? Many in the world use a “demand” approach, but the scripture uses a different path …

Encourage:  παρακαλέω parakaléō - from pará, to the side of, and kaléō, to call. To aid, help, comfort, encourage. Translated: to comfort, exhort, desire, call for, beseech with a stronger force than aitéō ^[1]

There are a few things here that I find interesting. First, this word translated “encourage” – there is another Greek word that Paul could have used – aitéō – which conveys the idea of beseeching or asking but in a more passive sense. Instead he uses parakaléō, this word that not only adds some intensity to the asking, it is also tied to the same word we were given as the name of the Holy Spirit. That should awaken all of us as we consider what our responsibility to each other is. God wants us to come alongside younger believers and aid, comfort, encourage and even beseech them in their walk with the Lord. Second, this opens the door to an even more important discussion. When are we not responsible to encourage our brother or sister? Here is where the tiresome excuse of not knowing enough dies when it comes to discipleship. If you are 6 months old in the Lord you already know more than someone that was born again a few days ago – go encourage them. There is no excuse. All of us can be led by God to someone younger and encourage them in their walk with Christ. However, this takes us one level deeper in the meaning of being an encourager. It is true that we can always find someone younger, less mature than ourselves, so the real issue is what responsibility does all this bring to our own personal growth? This is where many of us get uncomfortable, never the less it must faced. God holds us responsible to grow (Parable of talents) and if we choose not to – then that explains why we use the excuse that we don’t know enough. The statement is true but the reason is false. It’s not because we cannot get what we need to pass on, it is because we WILL not get what we need! God wants to grow us all – not only for Himself and for us, but so we can encourage others to so walk. Thanks Lord for Your Word which always brings a challenge. 

* Meditation Questions: What are you doing to grow in Christ? Are you being discipled? Are you discipling anyone? Have you gone to the Lord to seek ways to have both in your life? Do you Read Scripture? Study it? Memorize it? Meditate on it? What do your answers show?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.