How often do you encourage one another? You might do it without even realizing it.
I got to spend time with some of my best friends last week. Bro. John Lande was my best friend in college, and continues to be an encouragement to me. When I was in OKC last week, we sat by each other during all the services and messed around the whole time (shame on us). When we went out to eat, Bro. Lande sat next to Mrs. Cepeda and she was wondering what our connection was, asking if we went to college together. We told her, “No, we just met,” but she knew it was a lie. We were too crazy together.
Being around my friends encourages me. It’s fun. I have a good time. I’m challenged by them. I want to be like them. I want to have the testimony that Bro. Lande has with his life.
On Wednesday night after church, I was invited out to eat by my other friend—Seth Bailey—the youth pastor at Southwest Baptist in OKC. He has another friend from El Paso whom I was introduced to, and I was encouraged by these men, as well. We talked about youth ministry (go figure, right?) through the whole dinner, and I was challenged and encouraged by their ministries. I wanted to be and do more for God because of them.
Spiritual friendship is not all about talking spiritual all the time. It might just be about encouraging one another. So what about you? Have you been encouraged by your friends lately? Have you encouraged each other this week? Love God, love others, and do right. That will be encouraging in itself.
– Bro. Ryan