3 Simple Ways to Encourage Others {Thursday Therapy}
So . . . someone you know feels like garbage and you want to help, but you aren't sure how to do so. Perhaps a spiritual hug is needed along with a physical one.Christ followers are called to encourage others (see 2 Corinthians 13:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11). And we are to do so on a daily basis (see Hebrews 3:13).You can't get more holy in the daily than that, can you!When people are discouraged it means their faith tank is low. Courage and faith have leaked out. To encourage others we want to validate them and put faith and courage back in their faith tank. That seems easy enough, right?
Not always
One of my favorite Old Testament stories is the tale of David, who, after winning a great battle, returned home with his men to find that the enemy had kidnapped their families and stole their possessions.David's superheroes obviously weren't too happy about the situation and began to complain and blame David for the disaster.Since he had no one else to encourage him, David encouraged himself in the Lord. (Smart guy.)After encouraging himself in the Spirit, David prayed. And God gave David a plan. Which was enough for David to face his men (who wanted to stone him, by the way) and encourage them. Together they turned the negative situation into one of victory (see 1 Samuel 30).Sometimes before you can encourage others, you have to learn to encourage yourself—especially if you're facing a stoning party.Discouragement is narrow. It sees only a small picture. The key is to help others see their negative situation in a bigger light—one that includes Jesus and offers hope (see Colossians 2:2 and Hebrews 6:18).
Here's 3 ways to encourage others
- Look for the grace of God operating in the midst of the negative situation and use it as a focal point of your encouragement (see Acts 11:23).
- Share an encouraging story and promise of God from the Bible (see Romans 15:4).
- Pray with them and expect God to give encouragement, guidance and direction (see Acts 9:31).
And for 8 practical ways to quickly encourage someone see Be Someone's Reason to Smile.Well, I've got to run. I'm off to a women's retreat, which is always a fun time for me. I get to speak, which means encouraging others in their faith. I hope your weekend is full of Jesus. Susan"Jesus like sit when we share." -Adelaide, age 3: Pass this along to everybody and their brother. OK, maybe not everybody's brother, but you know . . . all of your friends would be nice.
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