God’s Special Encouragement

Our world is a dichotomy. As much as we need to be kind, encouraging, compassionate, and loving, there may be times when things go awry, words are spoken in haste, and behaviors can hurt or harm another. Though it is a world filled with troubles, it is also a wonderful world because God made it for us, and He is with us. We experience the harshness of life, but we also experience the love that God gives us each moment of each day.

An example of this is found in the Gospel of Luke, where we learn of the relationship between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth.

They both found themselves in a position that left them vulnerable to ridicule. Elizabeth had been barren for many years, and as an older barren woman, she would have felt disgraced in a society where a woman who was unable to bear children was thought to be punished by God. Mary was a young woman, a virgin, and was pregnant.

Although she was betrothed to Joseph, in the societal view, she was an unwed mother. But God had a greater purpose for both women.

Through the workings of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth became the mother of John the Baptist, and Mary became the mother of Jesus. John prepared the way for Jesus, our Savior. Jesus gave His life for us, showing us how to love and care for one another.

When the angel Gabriel told Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Mary quickly went to Elizabeth. These women needed to give and receive encouragement from each other during this wondrous time in their lives. We all need love and encouragement on our journey. God often speaks His words of comfort through the love of our friends.

Is there someone God has placed on your heart? Someone may need the kindness you can show them today. And if you are in need of encouragement, turn to the God of all comfort. He is near, my friend.

Carolyn Venice Marcus