My 6-year-old granddaughter was at one of her first ice-skating lessons. Now that Kelsey could glide a little across the ice, Grandpa and Grandma were invited to watch. It was a painful experience! She still took quite a few falls. But Crystal, her instructor, was always right there to pick her up and encourage her. Other skaters stopped to tell her she was doing well. Mom and Dad were watching from the sidelines, cheering her on. Kelsey had plenty of patient instruction and support, so whenever she fell she got right back up and kept trying.

All Christians need that kind of instruction and encouragement, especially new believers. As we set aside old habits and learn new ways of thinking and acting, we may frequently stumble and fall. It’s then that we need help from believers who are more mature in their faith. New Christians don’t need someone pointing fingers at them and making pious, judgmental pronouncements. And no one should ever laugh at them!

Lord, help us to be encouragers, remembering Paul’s words that we too are subject to weaknesses and to falling. Help us to bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

  — David C. Egner