Overcoming Weakness. Encouraging Others

 We all have difficulties in life. 
‘Be pitiful, for every man is fighting a hard battle.’ Ian Maclaren, 1897

I am someone who likes to help. I am happy when I can support someone.
But I am not always a model of selfless love. 

I am someone who likes to read, think and talk about my ideas. That is my gift from God. That is why I am a blogger.

But my strength is often also my weakness. 

My daughter once wanted to talk to me, but I didn't hear her. I was lost in my own thoughts.

She said, ‘Dad is visiting the moon.’

I can also be impatient in conversations because I want to say something. What does the Bible say about this?

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; 
for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Jas 1:19–20 NRSV

My tendency is to make my voice heard. That can be good, but it can also be selfish. Some people are reserved when they should speak. I am not like that.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 
No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.  Mt 5:14–16 NRSV

We must let God's light shine in our lives, but we often have to overcome our weak human nature so that Jesus can be seen in our lives.

Today I must listen to my wife with compassion. Today I must listen patiently and compassionately.

He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. Rev 21:7 NKJV

Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children. Rev 21:7 NRSV

If you want to follow Jesus, you must use your gifts from God every day and overcome your own human weaknesses.

Jesus promises to reward you and me eternally if we overcome with His grace.

What difficulty can you overcome today? Jesus wants to help you.

How can you help someone today? How can you be an encourager today?