The ministry of encouragement is open to Christians as it is to no others. Christians have a new life in Christ, an all powerful Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth, and a Heavenly Father who will protect and bless them eternally. If any people anywhere are qualified and equipped to a ministry of positive and healthy encouragement in a desperately discouraging world, it is the Christian church. Christian disciples, Christ said, are the “salt of the earth.” They should make life tasty! They should be, above all else, encouragers.
— Derick Bingham (1946–2010), Lehrpastor, Autor, Rundfunksprecher
Related Bible passage: MAT.5.13
Topics: Service & Love of Neighbour, Church & Congregation, Hope & Confidence
Occasions: Encouragement
Derick Bingham
Derick Bingham (1946–2010) war ein nordirischer Lehrpastor, Autor und Literaturdozent aus der Tradition der evangelikalen Brüderbewegung. Bekannt wurde er während des Nordirlandkonflikts durch seine überkonfessionelle wöchentliche Bibelklasse in Belfast sowie durch Rundfunkbeiträge und Biografien über christliche Persönlichkeiten. Für heutige Bibelleser stehen seine Schriften für eine literarisch geprägte Schriftauslegung, die seelsorgerliche Ermutigung und den biblischen Umgang mit Leid in den Mittelpunkt stellt.
All quotes by Derick Bingham (8)
If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
The world consists of nothing but opportunities for love.
Søren Kierkegaard
We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.
Mother Teresa
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner
Etty Hillesum