Gifts of Grace - Part 4 - Encouragement

"It is the wounded oyster that mends its shell with pearls" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

You can do it!  You're the best!  Keep it up! You'll get there!  I'm there for you!

Have you heard this from someone lately?  Have you said these things to someone else?

The gift of encouragement is crucial to the Christian life.  When we take up Christ's cross, we need others around to encourage us, to keep us going.  Suffering has a purpose; Jesus intends for us to have some emotional help along the way.  When we are wounded or tired, there is healing through the words of others.

Are you an encourager?  Do you have the gift of encouragement?