John 17:20-21: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one . . .”
John 16:7 “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy once said, “There is a fool-proof way to know who around you needs to be encouraged; here it is: that person is breathing. If they are breathing, they need encouragement.” This is so true today! In the book of Acts, we learn about one individual who had the gift of encouragement. His name is Barnabas, and almost every time he shows up, he is encouraging others. From his life we can learn 5 ways to give courage to others:
John 13:14-15 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”