Godly encouragement

The God of all encouragement . . . (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Experts tell us that for every negative comment we hear, it takes five positive comments to balance it out. That means it’s much easier to get discouraged than to feel encouraged. Perhaps that’s why Paul uses the word “encourage” or “encouragement” ten times in this letter. Maybe he wanted the Corinthians—and us—to know God’s love more deeply. 

The Gospels give us lots of examples of Jesus encouraging people.

When a scribe asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest, he replied, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). Imagine how good that scribe must have felt!

When Peter professed him as the Christ, Jesus answered, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah” (Matthew 16:17). Think of how that must have reinforced Peter’s conviction and his desire to keep following Jesus. 

When confronted with a woman caught in adultery, Jesus told her, “Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). Imagine how these words must have strengthened her to go and “not sin any more” (8:11)!

The encouragement didn’t stop when Jesus returned to his Father. He promised to send the Holy Spirit as “another Advocate” (John 14:16). And can you guess which word is used for “advocate”? Parakletos, which comes from the same Greek word for encouragement that Paul uses in today’s first reading! 

Part of the reason Paul stressed the Holy Spirit’s role as encourager was that he was writing to Christians undergoing hardship. He wanted them to know that the Holy Spirit would help them find hope and stay close to the Lord even through trials. He wanted to tell them that the Spirit could teach them through their trials so that they could walk alongside other people and offer them the same encouragement. 

The Holy Spirit wants to encourage you as well. When you’re feeling down on yourself, he will help lift your spirits. When you wonder whether your efforts are bearing fruit, he will show you how much you’ve grown. And when things are going well, he is with you, encouraging you to keep up the good work.

God is on your side. He is always at work, offering you his encouragement.

“Holy Spirit, how do you want to encourage me today?”

from wau.org

Encouragement

The heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove. (Matthew 3:16) 

A young man stands outside an apartment building ready to begin his new job in a city far from his family. His father is next to him. “I know you can do this,” he says. “You’re my son, and I’m proud of you. I’ll be available any time you need me. Keep in touch, and don’t forget who you are.” 

Did you know that Jesus had a similar experience? When he began his public life at his baptism, his Father opened the heavens and spoke words of encouragement to him: Jesus was his beloved Son, and he was both proud and well pleased to be his Father! 

Today as you celebrate Jesus’ baptism, know that God wants to open heaven for you just as he did for Jesus. He wants to speak encouragement to you when you take a new step in your life, just as he did for Jesus. Just as he sent the Spirit to his Son, so he gives the Spirit to you. Just as he proclaimed Jesus as his beloved Son, he tells you that you are his beloved as well. Just as he affirmed and encouraged Jesus at the start of his ministry, he has special blessings stored up for you when you approach a new chapter in your life. 

These new beginnings can be as big as taking religious vows or as small as starting another year as a catechist in your parish. Maybe you’re preparing for the birth of your first child or going back to work after decades of raising children. You may be moving or starting a new job. No matter what, God has words of encouragement for you. He wants you to know he is your Father, and he loves you. He wants you to be convinced that he is blessing you and has great things in store for you. He tells you that he is ready to help you in any way you need it. 

So let the Father open heaven for you today!

“Thank you, Father, for reminding me how precious I am to you and how much you have in store for me!”

from wau.org