Strength #4—Strengthening Words

Paul and Barnabas strengthened the souls of the disciples by urging them to continue in the faith and that they would encounter many unavoidable tribulations as they enter the Kingdom of God. … With a lengthy speech, Judas and Silas encouraged and strengthened the disciples. Acts 14:22; 15:32

Jesus made it clear that only those who remain loyal to him will experience the joys of citizenship in his kingdom. To avoid falling away when we experience trials, we must remain strong. So the primary goal of communication in the Church is strong souls. When our souls are strong, we will graciously and lovingly persevere through the many difficulties we will encounter along the way to the Kingdom of God. God uses words from other believers to accomplish this goal, especially messages about “the faith”: messages about his plans for his people, messages about how his people should live in relationship with him and with one another, and messages about what he has already done on our behalf. Messages from God strengthen us by increasing our joy in God and our awareness of obstacles to that joy. They tell us about God’s holiness—his infinite, unexcelled, and irreplaceable worth. They explain to us God’s joyful, overflowing grace. They fill our hearts with the knowledge that he faithfully keeps his promises. They expand our understanding of how eagerly he works to overcome obstacles to our experience of his goodness. They cause us to realize what truly pleases him and how we can join in that pleasure. “Rejoicing in Yahweh strengthens you.”

Thank you, Father, for your concern that my faith be strong. Lead me to those who speak your truth, open my ears to your messages, and fill my heart with your joy in Jesus’ name.