It has often been said that everyone has a single, favorite word. It’s the first word to turn our head, catch our attention and get us engaged. It creates a connection and opens us up to listen. In the middle of a crowded room, hearing this word will stop us in our tracks to find the one who said it…it’s your name.

We all long for connection. We all long for the affirmation that we are worthwhile. When we are in a season of stress, those who know us can encourage us very simply, and when we are sad, those who know us can be the ones who bring comfort, restore joy and speak words of peace. When we have connections with others, we look forward to spending time together, sharing experiences and showing them kindness as well.

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:11-12‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Paul had these people, most notably in Ephesus, a city where he spent many years. He understood the benefit of forming these relationships, both for himself (a constantly traveling missionary) and the other (often new Christians in need of support.) You and I need to seek out these relationships as well. But they won’t simply fall in our laps. We need to work to surround ourselves with people who seek to build us up, who will support us when we are feeling down & who will help correct us when we step away from our walk with Jesus Christ. And then we do the same for them…

Too often, we tend to surround ourselves with people who are ‘easy’ to be around. These people require little to nothing of us, they encourage our lesser qualities and can be proponents for making wrong choices because they are the ‘fun’ choices. They are the drama-feeders, the bad-habit-pushers, and the ones who are the first to flee when help is really needed. They may encourage, but it’s only to reinforce their own poor choices. They take everyone down with them.

So surround yourself with encouragers, people who will pull you out of yourself and point you toward Jesus. Find people who are easy to be around because they actually care about you enough to push you to be better tomorrow than you are today. Find people who want to see you looking less like yourself and more like Jesus. Find your encouragers and see how much you grow when you serve one another in love throughout the rhythms of grace every day.