Discouragement is possible for Christians
Discouragement is possible for Christians
Many of us are under the illusion that Christians cannot be discouraged or even depressed. But the journey to the Kingdom of God could be weary and boring. The journey is not a straight dash but rather a marathon. There are several causes of discouragements on the journey, such as job, financial, children, relationships, loneliness, trials, betrayal by brethren, and several other burdens.
For these reasons, we must understand that there are strong and weak Christians, and those who are strong are enjoined to encourage the weak, Romans 15:1 says: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Galatians 6:2 says: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
What are the results of discouragement?
Inability to pray or praying the wrong prayer. For example, Moses prayed for death in Numbers 11: 4-15; Elijah prayed to die in Kings 19: 1-4
Unholy utterances could occur, for example, Job’s utterances when in crisis
Emotional wrong thoughts could occur, Mathew 11: 2-6
Vision could be affected by discouragement, for example, the spies to the Promised Land saw giants instead of God. They caused the whole generation to weep
Discouragement could lead to negative actions, for example, Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to the rock in Numbers 20: 11-12.
How Can We Encourage One Another?
Through appreciation, encourage and hope. We can use examples of others
Testifying to the goodness of the Lord
By providing others with their needs- God provided food for Elijah during his discouragement because God knows that Elijah needed to be fed, 1Kings 19:7
Our visitation to other people could be another source of encouragement, Act 15:40-41: but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
So, it is our job to encourage others, action is required, so let
Many of us are under the illusion that Christians cannot be discouraged or even depressed. But the journey to the Kingdom of God could be weary and boring. The journey is not a straight dash but rather a marathon. There are several causes of discouragements on the journey, such as job, financial, children, relationships, loneliness, trials, betrayal by brethren, and several other burdens.
For these reasons, we must understand that there are strong and weak Christians, and those who are strong are enjoined to encourage the weak, Romans 15:1 says: We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Galatians 6:2 says: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
What are the results of discouragement?
Inability to pray or praying the wrong prayer. For example, Moses prayed for death in Numbers 11: 4-15; Elijah prayed to die in Kings 19: 1-4
Unholy utterances could occur, for example, Job’s utterances when in crisis
Emotional wrong thoughts could occur, Mathew 11: 2-6
Vision could be affected by discouragement, for example, the spies to the Promised Land saw giants instead of God. They caused the whole generation to weep
Discouragement could lead to negative actions, for example, Moses struck the rock twice instead of speaking to the rock in Numbers 20: 11-12.
How Can We Encourage One Another?
Through appreciation, encourage and hope. We can use examples of others
Testifying to the goodness of the Lord
By providing others with their needs- God provided food for Elijah during his discouragement because God knows that Elijah needed to be fed, 1Kings 19:7
Our visitation to other people could be another source of encouragement, Act 15:40-41: but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
So, it is our job to encourage others, action is required, so let