When I hear gloomy, "realistic" yet pessimistic predictions concerning the war in Ukraine, my heart sinks; especially when they are being voiced by reporters and authority figures through the media. What does this do for the morale of the people, their government and their troops? Aren't they all in desperate need of encouragement? Morale is defined as the confidence, enthusiasm and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. Synonyms listed include: attitude, mood, resolve, self-confidence, self-esteem, spirit, assurance, disposition, drive, heart, mettle and vigour.

All this came to mind this morning as I read through 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 which is all about sacrificial, yet overwhelmingly generous giving. Reading the Bible is a great morale booster and it always homes in on Jesus himself who enables us to live in joyful victory no matter what our circumstances might be. "You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

Consider the language Paul uses here: "In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity [which they counted a privilege]. He speaks of their "earnestness … enthusiasm … eagerness … zeal … confidence … [being] stirred to action [going way beyond good intentions] … [and he calls it all] the obedience that accompanies their confession of the gospel". I was greatly challenged by all this for surely it is how God wants us to be in all areas of life? Jesus has made it possible for our morale to be high at all times, but we need each other to achieve this.

Because he fully understands our weaknesses and remembers that we are dust, he commands us to be strong in Him and in the power of His might; not in our own strength. And he also commands us to encourage one another and build one another up in love. In what ways might I boost another's morale today?