Today’s Gospel reading from Luke 4 is the story of Jesus casting out a demon from a man in the synagogue in Capernaum. The people were amazed that Jesus spoke and acted with authority.
The first reading from 1 Thessalonians 5 is filled with great positive thoughts and actions. “For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness.” A beautiful, positive thought. The reading ends with a call to positive action. “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.”
It seems we’re living in a time of great negativity. There is so much vitriol being spewed. It almost seems you’re not allowed to say anything nice about someone anymore. We need to heed these words of St. Paul. People need to be encouraged and built up, not torn down. Today, look for opportunities to encourage someone, to build someone up. A spouse, a child, a co-worker, a complete stranger – God will send plenty of folks into your path today for you to brighten their day!
Father, lead us to people today who need a kind word of encouragement, who need building up. Give us the grace to encourage always. Amen.
This Scripture passage is featured in the chapter on Encouragement in Magnetic Christianity. Get a copy today at www.GusLloyd.com.
0 comments