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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

 

Dear Rev. Graham: My personality is on the negative side, always seeing the cup half empty. No matter how many positive thinking books I read, my thoughts are still dark. Is there another source that can help me overcome this darkness? – N.T.

 

Dear N.T.: When we look at other people and their trials, it often helps us put our own thoughts in a better perspective. All around us are people whose lives are filled with trouble and sorrow. They need our compassion and our encouragement. The psalmist wrote about finding encouragement through God’s Word (see Psalm 119:28). We can read books about compassion. We can listen to speeches about being encouragers. But nowhere will we find greater instruction than from the Bible. God is the One who teaches us to be more concerned about the needs and feelings of others than our own. We are to encourage our loved ones, friends, and associates, and God will help us do this. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6, NIV).

One of the attributes of the Holy Spirit is to encourage our hearts so that we can be a blessing to others. Those who follow Christ will learn what it means to minister to others, and this selfless act will show that you belong to Christ and are empowered by Him. Sometimes we encourage others without even being aware of it. No longer will our lives seem ordinary and indistinguishable from the rest of the world. With an old head and a young heart, you can be a real strength to others who need a word of encouragement. Look to Christ and you will find that in doing so you are pointing others to Him as well.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)