Encouraging the New Man

I have learned through consistent practice to judge those around me; maybe you have too. It is much easier to see the old man. It takes no effort to find the shortcomings in our brothers and sisters. It goes without saying that this is not the person we are called to be. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to edify one another, to build one another up. Tearing down is not edifying. You and I are called to put on the new man and to put on the righteousness and holiness of God (Eph 4:24). Tearing down is not patient, not merciful, not holy; it is not putting on the new man. We are to encourage one another in the communicable attributes of Christ. In Romans 12, we see gifts given by God, some different from others, but all of God, according to His grace. So I have a question for you: do you see the new man? Do you encourage your brothers and sisters as they continue in putting on the new man and as they practice the gifts given to them by our Lord?

Who is the new man? He possesses gifts given to us by Christ, some of which are: righteousness, holiness, patience, and mercy. Psalm 1 is another example of a man of Christ; he is a man of good character, sharing the communicable wisdom granted by God. Dan 5:14 is another example of wisdom, it says, “I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee.” We see in 1 Peter 1:15 the command to be holy: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” John is granted the gifts of justice and holiness as we see in Mark 6:20, where it says, “For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy man.” These are some examples of the characteristics and gifts given to us by His grace. This is who the new man is. He takes the attributes and examples outlined in the word and, through the grace of God, dons them upon himself.

So I ask you this question again, when you are fellowshipping with Christ's church, do you see this man? Not the shortcomings of the old man but the character of Christ in the new man. I trust that you do see the gifts that God has bestowed upon those who believe. Since you recognize these things, can you encourage them? Hebrews 3:13 says to exhort one another daily, which means to strongly encourage. Do you tell your brothers and sisters, “I saw that kindness you just did, and may the Lord bless it”? Do you see the humble and encourage them in their humility? Do you come alongside the faithful and say, “May our saviour, Jesus Christ, bless you for your faithfulness”? Who is the meekest person you know? Go tell them, “Brother, you have dealt gently with me, thank you.” Go say to the patient, “My sister, you have dealt patiently with me, and may the Lord bless and uphold you because of your patience.”

There are many more attributes of God that I have not mentioned, and I'll leave you to find them in God, in his word, and in his people. When you find them, help and aid your brothers and sisters to cultivate them, that they may serve God to the best of their abilities, and glorify His wonderful, mighty name.

By: Nate Tanis