One of the many things I needed to learn in ministry was to ‘lather before I cut’ or if you prefer, to be a “son of encouragement” rather than a “son of discouragement.” Let me say from the outset, that it continues to be a work in progress for my natural inclination is to cut before I lather. It seems to be much easier to find fault than to find reasons for encouragement. But as someone once said, “If you haven’t got anything good to say, then perhaps you shouldn’t say anything at all.” Generally, that has been a good rule of thumb to use. Please understand, I am not suggesting that we should never give considered critique on occasions. But before we give critique, find something good to say first.
Before one can shave with a sharp razor, one usually lathers first, otherwise it is a very painful exercise. In today’s world everyone could do with a little encouragement on a regular basis. Economically and financially things are difficult for many people, much of it caused by the fall-out of Covid-19. Loss of employment, isolation, the inability to visit friends and family, especially those in aged care facilities, and now another lockdown, it can all be rather depressing to say the least. So, take time to consider how you can encourage a family member, a neighbour, your employer or employee, or the leaders in the community or the leaders of your local church fellowship.
The benefits are two-fold. Research has shown that people are generally much happier if they feel appreciated and encouraged in their work. Second, to be an ‘encourager’, gives us satisfaction and fulfillment as we become other people focused, and takes our mind off self and avoids the danger of too much introspection which can be rather negative and depressing.
Sadly, to be a good encourager is a lost art in this busy world. In fact, sometimes our busyness is the excuse we use to neglect others. Sometimes it is our own selfishness or self-righteous attitude that gets in the way. But such excuses will never do for us as Christians. Sure, we don’t want to become busy bodies, but we should be able to find time to be concerned about each other, which includes their physical and spiritual welfare and give encouragement where needed. Encouragement goes a long way to boosting the spirits of a discouraged friend who must persevere through a trial. Furthermore, no one really wants to be known as a ‘son of discouragement.’
In the early church, Barnabas excelled in encouraging others by giving generously to the church (Acts 4:36). A few years later, God appointed him as an apostle with Paul to the Gentiles (Acts 13:2-3). Barnabas was not afraid to stand by God’s messengers in a time of tumult. He was the first person of influence and responsibility to extend his personal warmth and home to Paul and showed great kindness toward him. Scripture paints a picture of Barnabas as a kind, forgiving, encouraging and compassionate man. Luke sums up his character in Acts 11:24; by saying, “He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”
Reading the stories about Barnabas again, makes me realize I still have a way to go in becoming a good encourager. Thankfully, the Lord has forgiven my failings, and He will have to forgive more failings. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit it is my prayer and goal to ‘lather’ a great deal more than what I have done in the past. And strange as it may seem, the more I seem to lather, the less I find I need to cut. JZ.