[Steve Myers] We'd probably all agree that encouragement is a Godly trade, something that we should illustrate in our life. But as we think about that, it's more than just kindness. It should be something we think of as an everyday opportunity to highlight the hope that we have. Because I think there's a vital connection between encouragement and really holding fast to the truth, and maybe even a connection with fellowship as well. I was reminded of that in the book of Colossians.

Colossians 2:1 says this, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea," Paul writes, "and for all who have not seen me face to face. "Now he goes on. He says that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery.

Now that's a mouthful of words. But what Paul's talking a lot more than just kindness when he points to this out, in a sense when you think of Godly encouragement or biblically being encouraging, he's talking about the fact that we're urging one another, encouraging one another, to be truthful, to stand in the truth, to stand strong for the faith, reminding each other, that God is infinitely good, and He is amazing. And that's what we're striving to emulate. We're pointing each other then. When we're encouraging each other, we're pointing each other right to God, and His word, looking to the word of truth, so that we can find hope, and we can find a connection then, in a sense, passing on the hope of God and encouraging one another to really refocus and recognize what is most important in our life.

And so when we think of encouragement, we can encourage one another about our ultimate hope, the kingdom of God eternal life in God's family, which isn't just simply brightening one another's day but recognizing our true eternal hope lies in God and His plan, and His purpose. And His love is one that will never fail. And so we can take courage. We can find encouragement. And so let's do just that. Let's make encouragement an everyday fact and take that opportunity to encourage someone else today.

That's BT Daily. We'll see you next time.