When Surrender Becomes Freedom
Heart Happy
Audio By Carbonatix
A Heartfelt Invitation to Let Go
We all carry something—dreams we grip tight, wounds we’re tired of bandaging, gifts we hesitate to use, expectations we can barely carry. And yet, the Lord keeps whispering, “Surrender.”
Recently, as Mary DeMuth shared about her book The Freedom of Surrender on my podcast, my heart leaned in. Not because I’ve mastered surrender, but because—like Mary—I’ve discovered that God does His most transforming work not in my striving, but in my releasing.
Mary didn’t set out to write a traditional devotional. Instead, this book was born in the quiet, honest space of her Lenten practice. For nearly a decade, she had been painting through Lent—letting Scripture stir her creativity. But one year, she sensed God inviting her into something deeper, harder, and holier: “Paint your surrender.”
Every day, she sat with the Lord and asked, “What do You want me to surrender today?” Not a pre-planned list. Not a tidy roadmap. Just daily obedience, daily listening, daily letting go.
Some days she surrendered obvious things—sin, stubbornness, control. Other days, it was more tender—trauma, gifts, expectations, disappointments. Each surrender became a painting. Each painting became a prayer. And those prayers turned into the 40 devotionals inside this book—each paired with her original art.
As she told me, she didn’t feel like a polished artist—she just showed up with willingness and trust, believing God could use her imperfect brush just as He uses our imperfect hearts. And isn’t that what surrender really is? Not perfection, but permission—permission for God to shape us, lead us, and surprise us.
What I love most is that this book isn’t theory. It’s lived testimony. It reflects days of wrestling, releasing, and returning to the Father who gently says, “Let Me carry this.”
Mary paints not to impress, but to invite. She writes not from arrival, but from the middle of the journey. And in that, we find our own invitation to breathe, loosen our grip, and follow Jesus into deeper trust.
Because surrender isn’t giving up—it’s giving in to God’s love. And when we do, freedom grows like flowers where our fears once lived.
When she sat down to paint through Lent, Mary didn’t plan a neat and tidy surrender journey. She simply came before God, day by day, saying, “Lord, what do You want me to lay down today?” And as she painted each day of Lent, God revealed tender places: stubbornness, fear, trauma, comparison, longing for control. And isn’t that our story too?
Surrender Looks Like Trusting Him With Our Stories
One of the most beautiful moments came when Mary shared one of her daily surrenders, “I surrender my trauma.” She originally painted chaos in the hair of a woman—only to realize that’s not who she is anymore. She replaced it with flowers, a symbol of growth, healing, and God’s restoring power.
Because Jesus doesn’t just save us from the pit—He plants gardens there.
Surrender Looks Like Trusting Him With Our Giftings
Mary spoke honestly about the challenge of being a woman with visible gifts and being silenced or overlooked at times . How many of us have felt that tension? “Lord, You gave me this—why won’t they let me use it?”
And yet, we agreed: sometimes God uses closed doors to redirect us. He doesn’t call us to force opportunities. He invites us to trust Him with them. To say: “Here I am, Lord. Use me however You choose.”
Surrender Looks Like Trusting Him With the Pace and the Path
Mary and I talked about wrestling with expectations—publishing goals, hopes, platforms—and how God protects us even in His “no.”
Sometimes His mercy looks like holding back the very thing we think we need, because it would crush us before it blesses us .
And sometimes His calling looks surprisingly small in the world’s eyes—a handful of women at Bible study, a teen mom who needs a listening ear, a child at the breakfast table waiting for your presence, not your perfection.
A Holy Exchange
Surrender is not God taking from you. Surrender is God freeing you. Freeing you from having to hold it all. Freeing you from believing you must be enough. Freeing you from the lie that your value is measured in applause, output, or approval.
Surrender is trading your weary striving for His gentle leading. It’s releasing your will so His joy can enter. It’s laying down what wounds you so He can raise up what heals you.
Your Invitation Today
You don’t have to surrender your whole life today. Just ask Him, as Mary did: “Lord, what do You want me to surrender today?”
Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s timeline-pressure. Maybe it’s comparison. Maybe it’s the belief that you must do everything on your own. Whisper it, even trembling: “Jesus, I trust You more than I trust me.” And watch as joy begins to bloom.
A Prayer
Lord, teach me the freedom found in surrender. Show me what to lay at Your feet today. Grow flowers where chaos once lived. Use my gifts in Your way, in Your timing. Make my life a testimony of trust. Amen.
Takeaway
Surrender isn’t passive—it’s the brave choice to place our story back into God’s hands and trust Him with every page. And the more we release control, the more room we give Him to write His peace, His purpose, and His power into our lives.
If your heart is stirring, here are a few tools to help you walk daily in prayer, Scripture, and spiritual legacy:
Praying Through the Bible in One Year
Start each day surrendering your plans and listening for God’s voice through His Word.
How to Create a Legacy Bible
Surrender your story to bless future generations—marking Scripture, prayers, and faith notes for your children and grandchildren.
Prayers That Change History (Audiobook)
Let your prayer life rise with courage—because when we surrender in prayer, God moves in history and in hearts.
And if you want a beautiful companion on this surrender journey, don’t miss Mary’s The Freedom of Surrender:
Let’s keep walking this path together—hands open, hearts surrendered, eyes fixed on Jesus.
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
November 10
Acts 8-9
Conversion Within
Acts 8
Today’s reading begins with the impact of Stephen’s martyrdom, sparking severe persecution against the believers in Jerusalem and scattering them to Judea and Samaria. But rather than silencing them, this spread the good news of Jesus. Instead of “preaching” in the traditional sense, the believers shared their personal stories of what Jesus had done in their lives.
One of the scattered, Philip, goes to Samaria, where miracles accompany his message, and many Samaritans turn to Christ. Even Simon, a local magician, believes and is baptized, though he later reveals questionable motives, showing us that true faith is about heart transformation, not personal gain.
Later, the Holy Spirit leads Philip to an Ethiopian reading the scriptures. Philip meets him right where he is and starts with a simple question, sharing Jesus with him along the way. We see that God opens doors to share the gospel through genuine conversations and simple questions, leading others to understanding.
Acts 9
We also witness Saul’s shocking encounter on the road to Damascus. Saul, a fierce opponent of Christians, meets the risen Jesus in a blinding encounter that leaves him humbled and physically blind. Taken to Damascus, Saul fasts and prays, and God calls on Ananias to visit and heal him. Initially hesitant, Ananias obeys, laying hands on Saul, who immediately regains his sight and is baptized. From persecutor to preacher, Saul’s radical transformation leads him to share Jesus fearlessly.
Meanwhile, Peter continues to visit and strengthen believers, healing Aeneas and even raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, demonstrating the life-giving power of Jesus.
Word of the Day: Conversion
Definition: A complete transformation.
Conversion of the heart is a spiritual turning away from sin and toward Christ. It’s a decisive break from old patterns, embracing new life in Jesus.
A Life Turned Around
Saul’s conversion was a complete 180—a full reversal from persecutor to proclaimer. This reminds us that God’s grace is powerful enough to transform even the most resistant hearts. In our lives, we may not experience a sudden, blinding light, but daily we can choose to turn away from sin and turn toward Jesus, letting His love reshape our lives.
November 11
Acts 10-11, 12:1-5
Expansion of God’s Kingdom
Acts 10
In today’s reading, we witness a remarkable transformation in Peter’s heart and mind as God works to expand His kingdom beyond the Jewish people. Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile, has a vision that leads him to call for Peter, who also has a vision preparing him to accept this meeting. When they meet, Peter realizes that God shows no partiality and that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background or status. This is a significant shift!
Peter then shares the good news of Jesus with Cornelius, and as he preaches, the Holy Spirit falls upon all who are listening, and they are baptized. God is breaking down barriers, inviting the Gentiles into His family—a powerful expansion of His kingdom!
Acts 11
Returning to Jerusalem, Peter recounts what happened with Cornelius to the Jewish believers, who initially question his actions. But after hearing about the Holy Spirit’s work, they realize God’s grace extends beyond the Jewish people and embrace the Gentile believers as part of God’s family. The early church, initially hesitant, now praises God for this new chapter of inclusivity and expansion.
Acts 12
Meanwhile, opposition is brewing. King Herod Agrippa arrests and kills James, John’s brother, and imprisons Peter, hoping to curb the growth of the church. But the church responds with fervent prayer for Peter, illustrating the power of a united, praying community in the face of opposition.
Word of the Day: Expansion
Definition: Growth; becoming more extensive.
In this context, it represents God’s kingdom reaching beyond its original boundaries, bringing new people into His redemptive plan.
Embracing the Full Scope of God’s Grace
Expansion takes work and often means stepping outside of our comfort zones. Peter and the early believers had to face the challenging realization that God’s kingdom wasn’t only for the Jewish people; it was meant to include people from all nations. This call to “expansion” resonates with us today. We are called to recognize that God’s grace extends to everyone. Just as Peter’s perspective shifted, we, too, are challenged to broaden our outreach, sharing the love of Christ without partiality or prejudice.
In Acts 11, the believers’ initial doubt turned to joy as they realized God’s inclusive love. This reminds us that expanding the reach of the Gospel sometimes requires rethinking and embracing the unfamiliar. God’s kingdom isn’t just for the people who are like us—it’s for everyone. Let’s be open to reaching those around us who might not look or live like we do. The Gospel is a message of love, hope, and salvation meant for all humanity.
Remembering God’s Grand Story of Redemption
The expansion we see in Acts is part of a story God has been writing since the beginning of time. God created a people for Himself, gave them laws, and led them to a promised land. He sent prophets, spoke through judges and kings, and dwelled among His people, patiently guiding them even when they strayed. Through Christ, God took another step, inviting all people into His kingdom.
As we look back, we see the intentional expansion of God’s kingdom—from a small group to the entire world. This plan of redemption isn’t limited to a specific group but is offered to everyone. Today’s reading reminds us of God’s love for all people and His call for us to carry that message forward.
November 12
Acts 12:6-25, Acts 13, Acts 14:1-20
The Miraculous Moves of God
Acts 12:6-25
In today’s reading, we witness a powerful sequence of miracles and a testimony of God’s mighty intervention. Peter, imprisoned by King Herod and awaiting execution, is freed by an angel of the Lord. Imagine this scene: Peter is sleeping between guards, his chains fall off, and he’s led out of the prison. When he arrives at the house where the believers are praying for him, a young girl named Rhoda is so astonished she forgets to open the door! This humorous yet incredible story demonstrates the power of a praying community and God’s miraculous deliverance.
The chapter also details Herod’s eventual demise after arrogantly accepting praise as a god. The story closes with Barnabas and Saul returning to Jerusalem, where the Word of God continues to flourish despite ongoing persecution.
Acts 13
This chapter marks the beginning of Paul and Barnabas’ missionary journeys. The church in Antioch, guided by the Holy Spirit, commissions Paul and Barnabas, sending them out to share the Good News. They first travel to Cyprus, where Paul rebukes a sorcerer named Bar-Jesus, leading to the conversion of a local proconsul named Sergius Paulus. We see the Spirit of God empowering His messengers, guiding their journey, and performing wonders to confirm His message.
Acts 14:1-20
Paul and Barnabas then travel to Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. As they preach, many come to faith, but opposition grows, with enemies following them from city to city. Despite persecution and even an attempt to worship them as gods, Paul and Barnabas continue to spread the message of Christ. When Paul is stoned and left for dead, he miraculously rises and carries on, exemplifying the power of God at work even amid adversity.
Word of the Day: Miracles
Definition: A surprising event that defies natural or scientific laws and is seen as the work of a divine agency.
Seeing the Miraculous in Every Day
In Acts 12, we find Peter miraculously freed from prison. God’s intervention is not a distant phenomenon but a present, tangible reality when His people come together in faith and unity. Even in our most challenging times, God works behind the scenes, orchestrating deliverance and transformation. Acts 13 emphasizes that when we align our lives with God’s purpose and follow His direction, we become vessels for His miraculous work. Guided by the Spirit, Paul and Barnabas embarked on a journey where every moment was infused with divine purpose. This alignment with God’s will opens us up to miraculous encounters in our own lives.
Acts 14 reminds us that miracles often emerge through adversity. Paul and Barnabas were met with opposition and persecution but remained steadfast. They witnessed healing, transformation, and resilience, revealing that God’s power shines brightest in challenging moments. Reflecting on these stories, we can see that miracles are not merely historical accounts but invitations to see God’s power at work in our own lives. As we pray, follow the Spirit, and stay faithful, we open ourselves to the miraculous. God’s hand is active today, just as it was then.
God of Wonders – A Reflection on His Mighty Works
The Hebrew word for “wonders” is pala` (pah-lah), meaning miracle, marvel, or supernatural deed. This signifies something beyond human capability, something only God can do. Throughout Scripture, we see God performing miracles—from the parting of the Red Sea to manna from heaven, from victories in battle to the countless healings of Jesus.
The same God who raised Jesus from the dead, healed the sick, and saved the broken-hearted is still performing wonders today. Often, though, our modern mindset can lead us to cynicism. We tend to analyze and dismiss what we cannot explain. Today, let’s ask God to help us see Him as the God of miracles and ask for a fresh perspective. May we recognize the miracles He’s performing in our lives, even in the smallest ways. The power of God is at work in and around us, whether we realize it or not.
November 13
Acts 14:21-28, Galatians 1-2, 3:1-23
Faith in Christ
Acts 14:21-28
Yesterday, Paul and Barnabas experienced persecution for preaching the Good News, even being left for dead. Yet, they pressed on to Derbe, boldly proclaiming Christ and making many disciples along the way. As they journeyed back to strengthen believers in cities like Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, they appointed elders to lead in every church and reported how God was working powerfully among the Gentiles.
Galatians 1
This chapter begins with Paul’s passionate letter to the Galatians, who had so quickly turned to a different gospel. Paul doesn’t hold back, emphasizing his authority in Christ and astonishment at their swift desertion. Paul himself had been radically transformed by the same grace he now defends, recounting his conversion and mission to the Gentiles.
Galatians 2
Paul continues, describing a pivotal visit to Jerusalem, where he defended the Gospel of grace against pressures to add Jewish customs, like circumcision, to the faith. He even confronts Peter for drawing back from eating with Gentiles, underscoring that our righteousness is through faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law.
Galatians 3:1-23
Paul addresses the Galatians as though they’ve been “bewitched,” reminding them of how they initially received the Holy Spirit through faith, not by keeping the law. He argues that if even Abraham was justified by faith, then all who believe are Abraham’s heirs. In Christ, faith unites all believers beyond distinctions of ethnicity, race, or background.
Word of the Day: Faith
Definition: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
In the Bible, faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
Our Foundation in the Promise of Christ
The concept of faith is essential in the book of Galatians. Paul writes, “The just shall live by faith,” reminding us that faith is the basis of our relationship with God, not the law or human effort. We learn that faith means trusting God completely, relying on His promises even when we can’t see the outcome. Faith involves trusting that God is working for our good—even in the middle of life’s uncertainties.
Faith is like a muscle we exercise. It grows through both our experiences and those of others. Reflecting on the stories we’ve read this year—of Joshua, Ruth, Esther, Peter, and Paul—our own faith is strengthened. Their faith reminds us that God’s love, provision, and grace are sure. We see evidence of God’s unchanging character and power to redeem in every story, both in Scripture and in our lives.
Faith in Action – A Personal Journey
Faith is much like the seasons. Just as we know spring will follow winter, we can trust God’s promises even through life’s “winters.” Sometimes, faith is seen in the gentle rhythms of life—like trusting that spring will come after winter. Other times, it’s more active, helping us through challenges when we need the courage to trust in His unseen work. Reflecting on answered prayers, unexpected provision, and moments of divine comfort builds our faith for the future.
Faith grows as we step out and trust God more, remembering that the God who has worked in our past will continue to work in our future. Whether in times of joy or hardship, we can hold onto His promises, knowing He’s with us. This unshakeable faith, grounded in the person and promises of Jesus, is our foundation and source of strength.
November 14
Galatians 3:24-29, Galatians 4-6, Acts 15:1-21
Living in True Freedom Through Christ
Galatians 3:24-29
In Galatians 3, Paul explains the purpose of the law as a “tutor” that led people to Christ, showing them their need for a Savior. With Jesus, believers are no longer under the law’s constraints. Paul emphasizes that in Christ, distinctions—whether cultural, social, or gender-based—hold no bearing on salvation. Instead, all who believe are one in Jesus and heirs to God’s promise.
Galatians 4
Paul continues with the metaphor of an heir, showing how humanity was under “guardianship” until the appointed time when God sent His Son to redeem us. In Christ, we are no longer bound by the old religious rules and rituals. Paul urges the Galatians not to return to the law but to embrace the freedom of God’s promise.
Galatians 5 and 6
Paul encourages the Galatians to walk in freedom, warning them not to fall back into slavery under the law. He teaches that true freedom leads us to serve one another in love and to display the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Paul reminds them that we reap what we sow: by sowing to the Spirit, we harvest eternal life, but living by the flesh yields only emptiness.
Acts 15:1-21
In Acts 15, an issue arises over whether Gentile Christians must be circumcised, a debate that sends Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to confer with the apostles and elders. Peter speaks up, recalling how God led him to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, who received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. Peter declares that salvation is through grace, not by adhering to the law. James supports this, quoting from the prophets to show that God’s plan included the Gentiles from the start. This Jerusalem Council affirmed that salvation is a matter of grace, not rule-keeping.
Word of the Day: Freedom
Definition: The power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance or restraint.
True Christian freedom isn’t about doing whatever we want. It’s about a Spirit-led life that aligns with God’s purpose, breaking free from sin, guilt, and striving for acceptance. Through faith, we are freed from sin’s control, from the grip of the law, and from striving for righteousness. Freedom is God’s gift, enabling us to live in His love, grace, and peace.
Living Out Freedom Through the Spirit
In Galatians, Paul draws a picture of what it looks like to live in Spirit-led freedom. When Christ’s Spirit lives within us, our lives are characterized by the fruit of the Spirit—qualities that free us from the grip of selfish desires and worldly entanglements.
Love breaks the chains of selfishness, freeing us from self-centeredness to love others deeply.
Joy anchors us in a contentment that isn’t shaken by circumstances.
Peace frees us from worry and anxiety, granting us a calm that doesn’t rely on what’s happening around us.
Patience enables us to resist immediate gratification for the sake of growth.
Kindness liberates us from bitterness, encouraging compassion and fostering connection.
Goodness guides us to a life of integrity and honesty, freeing us from deceit.
Faithfulness helps us stay true to our commitments, building reliability and consistency in our lives.
Gentleness frees us from aggression, promoting peace in our relationships.
Self-Control guards against harmful impulses, giving us the strength to make wise choices.
Living by the Spirit, rather than by rules or desires, leads us into true freedom. Unlike the pursuit of personal pleasure, which often leaves us craving more, the Spirit’s fruit fills us with contentment and fulfillment. The freest life isn’t one without boundaries but one where Christ’s Spirit leads us to a deeper, abundant life of love, peace, and purpose.
November 15
Acts 15:22-41, Acts 16, Acts 17:1-15
Known by God and Making Him Known
Acts 15:22-41
Following the council in Jerusalem, the church leaders send Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch with a letter clarifying that Gentile believers are not required to follow Jewish customs like circumcision. This letter encourages the believers in Antioch, bringing unity and relief. Paul and Barnabas plan to revisit the churches from their first missionary journey, but a disagreement arises over whether to bring John Mark, who had left them previously. They part ways, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus and Paul taking Silas to strengthen the churches in Syria and Cilicia.
Acts 16
Paul and Silas meet Timothy in Lystra, whom Paul has circumcised to prevent any stumbling blocks in reaching Jewish believers. They continue through Phrygia and Galatia, guided by the Holy Spirit on where to preach next. Paul has a vision calling him to Macedonia, marking a new chapter as they bring the gospel into Europe. In Philippi, they meet Lydia, a believer who opens her home to them. Paul and Silas also free a slave girl possessed by a spirit, leading to their imprisonment. Miraculously, while they pray and sing in jail, an earthquake breaks their chains, and the jailer, moved by their faith, and his whole household come to faith in Jesus.
Acts 17:1-15
Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica and Berea, preaching the Gospel. In Thessalonica, they face opposition as some Jews stir up a mob against them, forcing them to leave. Moving on to Berea, they find people who eagerly receive the Word, examining Scripture to verify their teachings. But opposition follows them, and Paul is sent to Athens while Silas and Timothy remain in Berea. Through both adversity and eager reception, Paul and Silas are known as bold witnesses for Christ, bringing His message wherever they go.
Word of the Day: Known
Definition: Recognized, familiar, or understood.
In the context of faith, it reminds us that God knows each of us deeply and fully.
Known by God, Called to Make Him Known
Today’s reading reminds us that we are known by God, and we are called to make Him known to others. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas’s experiences in prison show how their unwavering faith makes Christ known to others. Even in the face of adversity, they worshipped God, showing others the power and hope of the Gospel. In Acts 17, we see how the Bereans earnestly studied Scripture, showing us that when we are known for pursuing God’s truth, we help others to seek Him too.
We see that in every circumstance, God’s knowledge of us – His understanding of our fears, strengths, and callings – equips us to make Him known in powerful ways. Paul and Silas, known for their faith, became witnesses in each city they visited. And as God’s people, we are invited to live out our faith in a way that others can see and be drawn to Him.
November 16
Acts 17:16-34, Acts 18:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 1-4, 5:1-11
Encouragement for the Journey
Acts 17:16-34
In Athens, Paul encounters a city filled with idols and engages with philosophers at the Areopagus, or Mars Hill. Addressing the Athenians, he introduces them to the “Unknown God” they already worshiped unknowingly. He proclaims that this God, the creator of the world, doesn’t dwell in temples made by hands but has made Himself known through Jesus Christ. While some mock him, a few—including Dionysius and Damaris—believe, showing that even in a city of skeptics, the Gospel finds open hearts.
Acts 18:1-3
Paul moves on to Corinth, where he meets Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple expelled from Rome. As tentmakers, they work together, establishing a connection that will later be pivotal for the early church. Paul’s time with them begins a season of ministry in Corinth, where he’ll invest in building a community of believers.
1 Thessalonians 1
Paul opens his letter to the Thessalonians with gratitude, commending them for their steadfast faith, love, and endurance amid trials. He emphasizes that the Gospel came to them not only in words but in power and the Holy Spirit. Their transformation serves as a testimony, encouraging believers throughout the region. Paul’s words set a tone of appreciation for their unwavering faith in the face of opposition.
1 Thessalonians 2–3
Paul recounts his time with the Thessalonians, reminding them of the hardships he endured to bring them the Gospel. He didn’t seek praise from people but sought to glorify God alone. The Thessalonians responded wholeheartedly, loving one another and staying true to their faith. Paul explains that he longed to return to them, but Satan hindered him. Finally, he sent Timothy to encourage them and was uplifted by Timothy’s report of their faith and love.
1 Thessalonians 4, 5:1-11
Paul urges the Thessalonians to continue growing in holiness, reminding them of God’s will for their lives. He instructs them to lead peaceful lives, love one another, and hold on to the hope of the resurrection. As for Christ’s return, Paul reminds them to stay alert, living as children of light, and encouraging one another as they await the Lord’s coming.
Word of the Day: Encouragement
Definition: The act of giving support, confidence, or hope; urging someone to continue on a path of growth and strength.
Encouragement for the Journey of Faith
In his letters, Paul models encouragement in a powerful, Biblical way. His words to the Thessalonians provide more than just uplifting sentiments; they are rooted in spiritual truth and hope in Christ. True encouragement goes deeper than surface-level support. It acknowledges the hardships of the journey but reminds believers of God’s faithful presence, urging them to persevere.
Paul’s words exemplify this by building the Thessalonians up in their faith, urging them to stay grounded in Christ and live holy lives. Encouragement becomes more than a momentary lift—it becomes a foundation, something that can sustain believers through challenges. It’s a reminder that Biblical encouragement is not simply “you can do this” but rather, “Christ is with you, empowering you for every step.”
As believers, let’s encourage one another in a way that reflects the heart of Christ: comforting, urging, and strengthening one another with the hope of the Gospel. And in times of sorrow, true encouragement may even look like a silent presence, reminding others that God’s love and support surround them.
