Adventures in Encouragement: 2 Corinthians 13:11

As a part of my September series 

I have been spending some time studying 2 Corinthians 13:11

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

This past week I have been taking a closer look at the Greek word

parakaleisqe

Which is the word that is translated to English as the phrase "encourage one another" in 2 Cor 13:11. {click here to read more about my adventures in learning Greek} This root verb (parakaleo) is used several other times in the New Testament. It is the word used in Matthew 5:4 when Jesus says "Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted." The same word is used again in Acts 11:23 when Barnabas arrived in Antioch and "saw what the grace of God had done [in Antioch], he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." What a wonderful word ~ to be comforted, encouraged, inspired, helped through a difficult time. What a great God we have that sends us encouragement is so many ways ~ be it a beautiful sunrise, a perfectly timed note from a friend, or a word of Scripture or song brought to memory at just the right moment! Do you know someone who could use a little encouragement? Do YOU need a little encouragement? 

You still have time to sign up for my Adventures in Encouragement swap. Meet a new blogger friend and swap encouraging cards in the mail. And who doesn't enjoy getting a real letter in the mail?! Click on the button at the top of the page for details, or leave me a comment and I will get you the information.