Knowing is

By Kelly Chesnut, Deeply Rooted Coordinator

Post date: Sept. 30, 2019

At Wycliffe, we don’t just believe that the Bible matters; we know it. The Bible is the very Word of God. It is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). And it’s meant to be shared with others.

One of the greatest opportunities we have to bring life and hope to one another is through sharing Scripture. In fact, the Bible tells us to “… encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT). We can do that through encouraging and exhorting each other with God’s own words!

The Bible defines “encouragement” as coming alongside others so as “to strengthen (comfort)” them. I love that! We have the privilege to inspire courage and strength in one another and to speak comfort and healing over each other. Encouragement is something we all need!

Whether we’re struggling with fear, worry or stress, or feeling overwhelmed or nervous, receiving encouragement from someone can melt those feelings. Encouraging words can inspire the confidence for us to courageously step forth and do what God has called us to do.

Encouragement can completely shift our perspective — from hopeless to hopeful, faithless to faithful, impossible to possible.

As believers, we know that these changes don’t happen because of our own effort; they’re a result of Christ working in us. Growing in Christlikeness means that we become more like him. So when we build each other up, we’re not just encouraging people to focus on who Jesus is. We’re encouraging them to become more like him.

As we build others up by pointing them back to the truths found in Scripture, we’re reflecting the power and love of Christ to the world.

Someone needs encouragement today. Do you know a person facing a circumstance or season who needs to be reminded of who God is and who they are in Christ? Do you know someone who needs a reminder of what it means to live in God’s love? Encouragement is the gift that keeps on giving, and it’s a way we can be intentional in demonstrating our love for God and for one another.

Today is Bible Translation Day, which is a day set aside to honor the work of Bible translation and be reminded of how God is working in the world through his Word. This year, we want to remind Wycliffe missionaries who are serving in this work that they matter to God by writing them notes of encouragement!

Visit wycliffe.org/whybible and follow the instructions to encourage a missionary. Tell them your favorite verse or passage of Scripture. Thank them for the ways they’re serving. Or just write a short prayer for them and their family!

Today is an opportunity to speak up about why the Bible matters and be living examples of Scripture to those around us.

Who will you encourage today?

Questions for reflection:

• Think of someone who has encouraged you with their words or actions. What did they do or say that still resonates with you today?

• Who is one person you can encourage today? What Scripture can you share that will inspire courage and infuse hope in their life? Spend some time in prayer with and for them, or take time to send them a note — whether handwritten, via email or through their missionary profile page.

Don’t forget to visit wycliffe.org/whybible to encourage a missionary (or two, or three!) today. When you do, be sure to tell others to do the same by using #WhyBible on social media.