Why You Should Encourage and Build Others Up

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, September 8, 2021

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…

Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV)

During the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Derek Redmond, a British 400 m runner, suffered a right hamstring injury in the semi-final. Derek suddenly went down on his knees, as his competitors surged towards the finish line.

To the surprise of the sixty-five thousand spectators, Derek got back on his feet, hopped on one leg and continued with the race. The excruciating pain notwithstanding, he was determined to finish the race.

Unexpectedly, Derek’s father, Jim, emerged from the crowd and joined his son for the remainder of the race. Jim gave his son a shoulder to lean on. He urged Derek on, despite race officials trying to dissuade him (Jim).

As Derek and Jim finished the race, the crowd gave them a standing ovation. What a beautiful picture of the role of motivation in the achievement of goals, despite formidable obstacles!

We need more Jims to emerge to encourage the tiring and injured Dereks. In Hebrews 10:24, we read, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (NKJV).

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (NKJV).

Everyone you meet has a battle he or she is fighting. Some struggles are harder than others are.

God urges us to find ways of building up those around us. We can pray with and encourage those who are suffering in one way or the other. Where possible, we can offer material or financial support.

Almighty Father, help me find and encourage a person who really needs motivation and hope today.