Enable means give (someone or something) the authority or means to do something.

Acts 1:8 …you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. The Holy Spirit enables us to understand God’s Word, to trust God in time of difficulty, and to get on our knees and pray.

Enable carries with it a true authority or means to do something. Police have the authority to enforce laws. Parents have the authority to discipline and guide their children. Teachers have classroom authority. When a person is enable with true authority a right mind-set develops and understanding takes hold. Men are biologically men and women are biologically women; not every man is burly and brisk and not every woman is soft and dainty. But we are recognizable as God’s design.

The term “enabler” generally describes someone whose behavior allows a loved one to continue self-destructive patterns of behavior. Maybe that’s why teaching became so difficult because I didn’t believe in enabling a kid to fail. If you refused to do the work, get your zero. My principal told me once that central office called about a particular group of kids failing my class but after they looked their grade and the zeros earned by students for not turning in their work. (She told me the story later.) I didn’t play favorites and I got flack for that.

Hard times have hit many people losing their livelihoods, homes, savings but that is not the same as a major inconveniences. If you were able to get water and food and had enough gas to drive and get there. Whether devastating times or a major inconvenience, enable a spirit —

–of gratitude for those willing to help those who are struggling.

–of service by getting out and helping.

— of thankfulness by saying it may be tough but I’m thankful for the help.

–to hold your tongue from uttering harsh words because of inconvenience.

–to spread God’s love with a word of kindness or an outstretched hand.

— to kindly apply a word of truth.

Discipline, guidance, correction kindly applied produces good fruit to those willing to receive it, — enable God’s Spirit to work through you.