Disciples of Jesus are not born with a mature faith; in reality, many of us never grow beyond the infancy stage of our relationship with Jesus. The journey of discipleship is the ongoing call to mature in faith toward our ultimate goal: Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1Peter 1: 8-9).

Support. We all need the support of one another. As brothers and sisters in Christ we have so many opportunities to encourage one another on our shared journey of faith. It may begin as we are mentored by a parent, a teacher, a pastor; someone who in faith walks ahead to leave footprints we can follow. We in turn leave footprints to guide others. During our journey find ways to lend a hand, participate with others, celebrate victories, and be alongside in time of need. And God is right here in our midst giving us His grace to do that.

Words. In Proverbs 16: 24 Solomon writes: Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

The words we use to encourage others should: lift up, cultivate good will, give praise, share joy. They should be positive, promote the good, and express thanks often. They should be: vehicles for the power of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and anointed for blessings.

Actions. In a recent In the Meantime post, David Lose comments on Luke 12: 49-56. He asks: “How could we use our time together on Sunday in worship, education, and fellowship to encourage each other to live like Jesus, not just to believe in Him? He challenges us to see Church not as an obligation or spiritual destination, but a place to come to be encouraged, equipped and sent to make a difference to the world. Jesus is both with us and for us as we come to church, to be reminded of our identity as God’s beloved and are sent out again in mission to tell others in word and deed that God loves them as well.

Encouraging and Mentoring Opportunities at Faith Lutheran Include:

• Be involved in the education of our young children: Teacher, helper, record keeper, Sunday morning greeter, music leader or participant, worship leader or participant.
• Be involved in the Confirmation Program for the youth in 7-9 th grade. Confirmation Guide, Guide Assistant, music leader or participant, worship leader or participant, record keeper, small group leader or helper.
• Sunday Morning Worship greeter, Committee chair, Small Group leader, Bible Study leader.
• Reach out to those who have not been regular in Worship attendance and encourage their participation.
• Make use of Faith’s Library with your children or grandchildren.
• Engage with others to form a working Outreach Team.
• Encourage the encouragers. Thank those who mentor and lead others of all ages in our congregation and community.

The Apostle Paul writes in Acts 15:5, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ.”