Encourage

[Tune]

In Medieval France the heart was the primary organ of the body and it was seen as one that was open and “porous”. The heart was not just a metaphor for love and spirit, but it was physiologically and theologically the center of the body and the location of the soul. Its purpose was to “exhale heat and spirit to the rest of the body”. We see this reflected in the words that have come down to us from that time - courage and, our word for this week - encourage.

When we encourage, we “hearten” – we make strong or give strength to another heart that may be in a weakened situation. What a wonderful image and what a fitting finale to our blogging series on faith practices.

Encouragement is easy. Tell someone they are doing well, that they will make it through a difficult place, that they are a blessing to your life. It’s easy  -- on the face of it.  BUT it can be very difficult as well. It means the focus is on the other person, it means you set aside whatever “advice” you think they need to hear, you resist the temptation to turn it into a story about you. You listen without judgment, you walk with them, share in their story. You set aside the pre-conceived notions you may have about their race, ethnicity, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, education and politics. Yes, especially that last one.

Encouragement does not mean we don’t hold each other accountable though. When you walk with someone it’s easier to ask the “ What would a follower of Christ do in this situation” question. Paul talks about this in his letter to the Philippians. He urges two women, who have apparently had some disagreement to have a difficult conversation. And he asks another person to help them.  Paul is direct, but he also takes care to note [in a letter likely to be read in public] the value of each person and their contributions to the community.

That’s how a strong community is built. One relationship at a time. One story at a time. One act of discipleship at a time. One prayer at a time. Each person valued for the heart they bring, each person “heartened” on their journey by others so that when we go out into the world for mission and ministry we take hands and stick together.

Dear God, let our relationships reflect the love, respect, and compassion we have experienced in you.

Amen. Amein. Ameen.