“[F]or though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” — Proverbs 24:16
Are You an Encourager?
Older sports fans remember in 1985 when Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann broke his leg during a vicious hit by legendary New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor. It ended Theismann’s career. In 2014, many of us witnessed Paul George suffer a serious injury to his right leg, but he was eventually able to return to the NBA.
In sports, a serious injury can cause you to miss a whole season or even end your sports career. But what Theismann and George experienced firsthand was the abundance of love and support from teammates and fans. The encouraging words and heartfelt prayers from so many transcended the sports in which they played.
In life, there are times when we as believers in Christ may experience failure in our own lives or we may watch someone else fall in their spiritual walk. Just as Theismann and George felt the overwhelming support of teammates during their injuries, it is important that we come alongside those who have stumbled in their faith. What a source of encouragement it is when a brother or sister in Christ comes alongside you to help you to stand when you fall.
The Bible tells us when we see our brother or sister knocked down by sin, we are to gently and humbly help them get back up, and lovingly remind them to follow Christ.
— Sam Johnson, San Antonio Spurs Chaplain
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