So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
-1 Thessalonians 5:11 (The Message)
And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrew2 10:24-25 (NIV)
Years ago in the days prior to email, Facebook and Twitter, I was an avid letter writer. I wrote because I wanted to continue to build my relationships with friends who were no longer part of my daily routine. I was very intentional in my efforts to stay in touch. I kept a chart in my day planner of all the people I corresponded with. I even tracked each time I sent or received a letter. Yes, I was a little obsessive, but then I loved to write and receive letters. One year, my New Year’s resolution was to write one letter each day of the year. I did not write 365 letters that year, but I did write more letters than any other year.
These days I’m not the letter writer I once was. Email, Facebook and other technologies have made it easier than ever to stay in touch. However, I find myself out of touch more often. I’ve been thinking about this and realized that though it is easier, I still have to be intentional about personal contact. Posting to my Facebook status and reading my friends status does not guarantee a connection. I still have to interact on a personal level whether through comments or email or some other means.
This same principle is true in every aspect of my life. In order to build relationships and encourage each other, we must interact on a personal level. In order to build community, we must be intentional. With that in mind, here are a few challenges for us:
- Don’t wait for someone to update their Facebook status to find out what they are thinking and what’s going on. If you are thinking about them, let them know. Ask them what’s going on?
- Take time to write a note or send a card to someone you know is going through a tough time
- Don’t wait until someone misses church or Bible Study to send them a note. Let them know you are glad they are here
- Find creative ways for your Bible Study class attendance list to become a ministry list
- Thank your teachers for the time they take preparing the lesson
- As you pray through the prayer list each week, take time to send a note to someone you are praying for
These are just a few ideas I had. The bottom line is…be intentional. Find ways to encourage those around you at work, at home, at church and all around you.