Ugly Sweaters and Cheap Cologne

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  -1 Thessalonians 5:11

I am not sure if you realize this or not, but Christmas is just over a week away. I am sure there are many of us who struggle with acquiring that perfect gift for others. I love giving meaningful gifts, and I love receiving meaningful gifts. But meaningful gifts are hard sometimes. We all have received gifts that were, well, not so meaningful.

I remember when I was a kid, every year my grandparents would give my brother and me a sweater that we would never wear, a bottle of cologne that was my grandfather’s favorite, and a box of chocolate candy. We always looked forward to the chocolate candy! My brother and I knew the heart behind these gifts, and we did appreciate them, but they just didn’t really know what else to get us.

I think we all struggle with the same thing my grandparents did, so I am here to help. The gift of encouragement is an easy one, and I have not met a person who did not value and appreciate that gift, and it is so easy to give. It is a one-size-fits-all, costs very little, requires little effort, and is one that everyone needs. All it takes is a kind thank you or a recognition of someone's talent, care, or sacrifice. Maybe it is just a text message telling someone how much you appreciate them or a conversation encouraging someone in their walk with Jesus.

I love what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians about encouraging others to build one another up. We all could use a little building up, and it is such an easy way to spread some cheer. So here is my challenge to you. Commit to finding ways to encourage others. Experience how easy it is and see how it will not only brighten someone else’s day, but yours as well. So get the ugly sweater, but pair it with a dose of encouragement.
 
Merry Christmas!