To be appreciated and encouraged

To be appreciated and encouraged

In Matthew 8 we will read some of the miracles that Jesus has done. He cared about the people only if he was preaching. He has touched the lepers that no one has touched. May he heal them they are valued so much. Even though a Roman centurion, who was so diligent and full of faith, said the Lord would come into his house to heal his servant, he said ''**Lord,** I'm a vessel for you to come into my house. You** only the word rest then My servant will be healed'' (Matthew 8:8). Faith and grace go hand in hand. Immediately the Lord Jesus said, ''I have never seen such faith in anyone in Israel'' (Matthew 8:10).

Lord Jesus is a master in praising and encouraging people. Once the Lord praised Peter among all, ''**Simon** Bar **Jonah,** Blessed are My Father in Heaven** has** said this word to you''** (Matthew 16:17). He praised Nathanael like this (praised), ''Here, there is no one in him'' (John 1:47). They were not perfect but Jesus praised them abundantly.

Roman centurion, Peter and Nathaniel are imperfect with flaws. But the Lord has found something to be praiseworthy in them all. He did not stop praising the goodness of the unsaved, the idolatry, the centurion, the Bible or the true God. Do you think that the fluffy centurion will forget the Lord's word to him in his lifetime? He will not forget. He was so encouraged by those words and perhaps became a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Here we are learning about true devotion and the kingdom of heaven. Adam's offspring was very skillful in admiring people and very professional in judging. We do not publicly admire others just because they may overflow. We can't even appreciate the real cowards.

Most believers have not learned this habit from Christ. We must not do the mockery of Satan. But it is the character of God to praise the truly worthy. If a man of God appreciates a brother, he is highly encouraged to follow the Lord Jesus.

Author

Zac Poonen