Encouragement - Silas And Judas

Judas and Silas, both being prophets, spoke at length to the believers, encouraging and strengthening their faith. They stayed for a while, and then the believers sent them back to the church in Jerusalem with a blessing of peace.

Acts 15:32-33

Phil worked hard as a Christian businessman. His daily schedule was so filled with important tasks that he rarely had time to talk to his clients or coworkers. One day, he began wracking his brain to think of ways he could spread God’s love and encouragement.

Then Phil had an idea. Every time he talked to someone on the phone or corresponded through e-mail, he would end the conversation or message with these words: God bless and make it a great day!

Before long, Phil’s words of encouragement made a difference in several people’s lives, including one particularly needy man who called and asked him about his faith in Jesus.

The Bible often highlights the need for encouragement in the body of Christ. Silas and Judas were two devout believers from Jerusalem who set a good example.

Silas and Judas first appear in Scripture after they were chosen to travel with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They helped to deliver a letter that communicated what the apostles had decided about what Jewish laws the Gentile Christians needed to observe.

Silas and Judas had a specific task to complete in Antioch, but they didn’t just finish it and head back home. They took time to speak words of encouragement and strength to the believers.

Silas and Judas went out of their way to strengthen and bless those they didn’t even know personally through their encouragement. Who in your world needs that kind of strength and blessing today?

Your daily schedule may be filled to the brim with important tasks, but you can bless others as you go out of your way to encourage them. What can you say today to encourage a fellow believer, or anyone else who needs encouragement and a quick glimpse of God’s love?