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bigmike

Encouraging Others
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
2 Corinthians 9:1-3
We rarely realize just how much our example encourages others. When Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers, he reminded them that their earlier eagerness to give had already stirred up many others to act. In fact, Paul had spoken so highly of their zeal that Christians in Macedonia had been inspired by it. Their enthusiastic generosity created a ripple effect that stirred others to act.
In a world where Christians can often feel isolated or discouraged, the faithful obedience of even one believer can serve as a powerful reminder that we are not alone. Elijah once believed he was the last faithful man standing in Israel. But God not only reminded him of the thousands who had not bowed to Baal—He also gave Elijah the encouragement of a partner in ministry, Elisha.
Your faithfulness might be exactly what another Christian needs to see. Words of encouragement are important, but the impact of a faithful life is often greater than any speech we could give. Charles Spurgeon said it well: “A man's life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies.”
Never underestimate the influence of a consistent, godly testimony. Someone else’s courage may be sparked by your quiet obedience.
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