Endurance is the internal ability to keep going despite hardship, suffering and opposition.  It is a quality that does not boast, because endurance is busy facing down the pain and continuing to do what is right. Encouragement is an external voice that stokes our endurance by strengthening our courage.  But where does it come from?  Paul wrote to Christians in Rome telling them that it is only God who gives believers the ability to endure – as they look ahead to the joy of His presence, as Jesus did (Hebrews 12:2-3).  God’s servants are there to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

It is God’s plan for us that we should have the same mind as that of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-8).  His ultimate goal was that Father God might be glorified Philippians 2:11.  Our Heavenly Father encourages His children to follow Jesus Christ together; and enables each of them to be united in the reason for our existence - glorifying Him.

Everyone who follows Jesus is unique and different from each other in character and spiritual gifting (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).  Yet, in following Him we have each chosen to set aside our individual priorities and accept His priorities so that we can work together with a common purpose, a united spirit and a God-glorifying purpose (Philippians 1:27).  His intention is not only that we will live in a godly way but also that we will encourage each other to witness verbally about what Christ has done for us.

Christians in the workplace may come from different towns, cultures and churches, but they are united in Christ Jesus.  Therefore, they should encourage each other in the Lord: to keep going in difficulty, to endure injustice and persecution and to be very positive about Jesus.  Strangely, often the people who are most negative about us are also the ones who are most fascinated to understand 'what makes us tick'.  Even though they speak against Christ and His people, they most need (and often want) to understand the gospel.  So why not find another believer in your workplace, pray with them, and encourage them, and see how Jesus may be glorified through you as others come to understand how much you love each other and He loves them too (John 13:35).