Revelation 2:1-3

Revelation 2:1-3 "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."

 

How does God confront His children when they need to be corrected?

 

He starts with praise! As God is about to confront the church at Ephesus for it's short comings He begins with praise and affirmation.

 

While it is true that not all of the seven churches in Revelation 2 - 3 had something that they could be praised for, whenever it was possible - He did it!

 

What a model for us to keep in mind.

 

Everyone you come into contact with today is in great need of encouragement and affirmation.  That is especially for those you have to confront.

 

Today let us look for ways to affirm, reasons to praise and avenues of verbal encouragement.

 

Let's look for the right that can be and should be acknowledged.

 

May we who name the name of Christ be known as those people who encourage others as they seek to do right!