Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Tom was one of our tour guides on a trip to Vietnam. On our second day with him, he apologised for his imperfect English. Apparently, he had come under criticism from previous tours and was worried about his position with his company.
While it was obvious that the guide was still learning English, we could follow what he was saying. And he was skilled in leading us around the various sites on the tour. Tom broke down as he spoke, and he later explained that he had come from a poor fishing village. Tom had wanted to get a good education but sadly was told that he would never accomplish anything.
He went to university, obtained a degree, and has worked for two years with this tour company. He is married with a young child. He was open about this, because our fellow tour members had shown him kindness and consideration. Following his openness, everyone in our group encouraged him.
How important it is to encourage rather than to criticise! To build up rather than tear down. To give others the benefit of the doubt, realising we generally have no idea of their life story, and the burdens they are already carrying.
Prayer
Loving Father, help me to be an encourager and to love people for who they are. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Let my words be kind and gentle, and full of grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen
By Bob Regazzoli, Pastor
Carina, Queensland, Australia
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