Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.(NIV) I Thessalonians 5:11
I attended a funeral service of a beloved friend and was amazed at all the exciting and encouraging tributes read by families and loved ones. One question came in mind and that is the basis of this devotional. Does the dead hear all these good stuffs said about him?
When God created Adam, he realized he needs a companion, a family to encourage him so he created Eve and they both began a family (Genesis 2:18). This is to say the sense of belonging was implanted in man at the very beginning. Every individual need this sense of belonging to grow healthy and succeed in life. Our spirit dampens when we are deprived of this. Many have lost their precious lives because they were neglected by the very people they love. And others are still wallowing in pain and mental agony for similar reasons. However, these individuals do not find comfort in their loved ones when they are alive. When the unfortunate happens, the funeral ground receives all the praises and encouragement that would have sustained the deceased to live a bit longer. Why must it be so?
God has blessed us with wonderful and loving people around us. It is our responsibility to appreciate them, express our love and kindness to them while they are alive. Unfortunately, we usually take them for granted because we always have them around in both good and bad times. We neglect them when they need us most. I read a sorry about a young girl who committed suicide because she has been bullied for the past two years and had even experienced gang rape. The story brings to mind the role of her family and loved ones. Would it have been different if she had someone to support, listen and encourage her?
Today is a wonderful day to express your love to the every person around. Shower praises on them, express your gratitude for their good deeds and above all let them know you care.