These are more than kind words or polite gestures. They are spiritual lifelines. When we choose to stand beside one another in love, we become the body of Christ in action.

Encouragement can be as simple as a text, a note, or a quiet moment of empathy. Support might look like a meal, a ride, or simply showing up to lend a hand. These acts can take the shape of prayer, listening ears, helping hands, and hopeful words. No matter how small these may seem, they can breathe hope into a weary soul.

As followers of Jesus, we are not meant to go it alone. God designed us for community so that we can lift, strengthen, and carry one another through whatever comes.

Today marks the birthday of the person who has been my greatest champion and most faithful encourager. My gratitude runs deep for their presence in my life, particularly for the countless ways they have helped shoulder my burdens throughout the years.

I hope you are blessed with such a person in your life. Even more, I hope you embody this kind of love for someone else.

Let’s be people of support. Let’s be people of encouragement. Let’s be the Church.

Home Depot’s motto from 2003 to 2009 was simple but powerful: “You can do it, we can help.”

That phrase has always struck me as ideally suited for the church as well.

The Christian life isn’t something you have to navigate alone. Through Christ’s work and the power of the Holy Spirit, you have the ability to live faithfully and purposefully.

And the church? We’re fellow travelers ready to walk alongside you, offering encouragement, support, and community for the journey ahead.

Sometimes, the best expressions of faith come from the most unexpected places.

Lately, I have been reading through the book of Proverbs as part of my Bible reading plan. There are many powerful statements, but here are a few that are worth pondering, which may not be familiar to you.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Proverbs 9:8-9 Do not rebuke mockers, or they will hate you; rebuke the wise, and they will love you. (9) Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will add to their learning.

Proverbs 11:4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Proverbs 24:16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.