Instead of spreading doom and gloom, spread joy and comfort. Be an encourager wherever you go.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and during the Boer War at the turn of the Twentieth Century, the British Army was battling against the Boer republics in South Africa. During one siege in the city of Ladysmith, a woeful citizen began wandering the streets, speaking demoralizing words to the soldiers. Eventually, his discouragement became a chargeable offense, and he was sentenced to prison. Discouraging others, it seemed, was against the law. Well, most of us would be a little nervous if discouragement were actually declared illegal, but the story just shows how damaging discouraging words can be. On the other hand, Paul writes in Philemon 7, “I have derived [now listen to this] much joy and comfort from your love, my brothers.” Oh friend, and the same can be true for you. So please, don’t spread doom and gloom in the church; today, be an encourager. It’ll bring much joy and comfort to others.
© Joni and Friends