Comfort and Encouragement

“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." (Exodus 19:6) & “And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (Ephesians 4:24).

We are called unto righteousness and holiness in Christ Jesus. We are not our own, we were “bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), that price being the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:2). In this we are different, strange, alien to the world, not from any credence or tradition of religion that we or others have imposed but through the redeeming and purifying of our hearts by God (Titus 2:12). To demonstrate to an unbelieving world his wonderful glory (1 Chronicles 16:24, Psalm 29:2) and to bring salvation to the lost (Acts 13:47, 1 Peter 2:12). This is the Christians calling, to live righteously and to proclaim the Good News, the Gospel of Christ (Mark 16:15, Romans 1:16).

To live righteously in a perverse world (Philippians 2:15), and because we are misunderstood, because we speak the truth in love, and because we speak against evil we often suffer great hardships (2 Corinthians 1:7, Ephesians 4:15). The Christian is often alone even in the midst of friends of this world (Psalm 102:7) it is for this reason that Christians should encourage one another, look out for one another, comfort one another (Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 1:4). If a brother or sister in Christ is depressed or down or low don’t condemn, the world does that… but rather we should show understanding, care, mercy, and love (Ephesians 4:17, Romans 12:16). For being a Christian means to be Christ-minded (Phil. 2:5); to look out for others rather than for one’s self (Philippians 2:5).

Heavenly Father, help us to be righteous in your sight and in the eyes of an unbelieving world. This world and the things of this world will soon pass away but your Word will never pass away. Forgive me for my selfishness and my uncaring attitude towards this suffering world and towards my fellow Christians. Help me, teach me to be more like you and less like myself. Forgive me for not praying for the needs of others, for not recognizing their hurting hearts and for not taking the time to encourage, uplifting, in word and deed to their betterment, for their edification, for their comfort…