In our world today, it is commonplace to receive criticism and judgment from a variety of sources. The world, it seems, tends to try to bring us down, rather than lift us up. It is so easy to become discouraged. The essence of love, on the other hand, is the desire to love others in a such a way that they are encouraged and full of hope.
In Colossians 2:2 Paul describes the core of his prayers for the saints by saying, “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ.” We all need encouragement from time to time. Encouragement comes from loving one another and growing in the understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Love lifts us up in uncertain and desperate times. Knowing Jesus blesses our soul so that we know and understand our place in this world and the nature of God’s love and plan for us.
Reluctant Retiree 