The world—and especially our western culture—has a variety of professionals who help us grow. Whether we’re talking about psychologists, counselors, therapists, life coaches, or career coaches, they’re available to help us with our mental health and life goals.
Have you ever noticed that these professionals often focus on our past or future? Psycho-therapists often spend time in our past, because our past wounds have an influence in our lives. And coaches often focus on our future and the goals we would like to achieve. But who is available to us in our here and now?
I believe this is where the Body of Christ comes in. When we visit each other and spend time with one another—when we meet for a cup of coffee with a Christian friend or when we gather with our life group—that’s when we minister to each other in our here and now. It is in these interactions that we “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) as we share our present struggles, encourage each other, and pray for each other.
Who needs your “here and now” presence this week? Come alongside them in friendship ministry. You don’t need a professional’s credentials; all you need is Christlike love and compassion, which you already possess through the Holy Spirit's presence within you. Be encouraged to be a present encourager this week!