How often do you encourage others ?

[morefaithrequired]

Giving someone the right encouragement in the right way at the right time is a blessing indeed. I grew up in a loving family but encouragement was either very subtle or non existent.
I think we have to have confidence ourselves in something in order to pass it on. teaching someone how to ride a bike for instance. I never learnt until age 12. very late. I did well at school so didn't need much encouragement . But my younger brothers struggled at school. I think they needed more encouragement than they received.
When I was struggling in my first year as a teacher I needed encouragement. I didn't have a clue about classroom management. problem was, the other teachers and boss had their own problems. Too busy. Funny often when we need encouragement the most is when it is not available. What an opportunity for God to help. But at the time I was a million miles from God,. No prayer life. God encourages. I believe that now. Still then I needed truckloads of encouragement and help at the time.
Even an employee can encourage their boss. As long as they don't feel patronised. Depends on our maturity and wisdom with language. Appropriateness. Communication skills.
I need to encourage others more often.

 

[Magenta]

Before coming to Christian Chat, I spent a period of around eight years talking to non-believers of many stripes on two different sites hoping to encourage them to seek Truth. Of course some had the attitude that they would not look for something they did not believe to exist, but Truth is something I think we all desire, and a search for Truth will ultimately lead to Jesus Christ, Who is Himself the embodiment of Truth. Scripture promises to that those who seek diligently and/or sincerely, that God will reveal Himself, and I certainly found this to be true! So I stood up to a lot of their nonsense and abuse hoping to encourage them, and yes, some were extremely abusive.

It was during those eight years that I learned to keep my answers short and as much to the point as possible, because otherwise they would all too gladly diverge. Now, some here seem to mistake my terseness for churlishness, and I am sorry for that. In light of that it is encouraging to me that there are at least a the few who get it, and laud my ability to be concise and direct, for too many read beyond what I actually say and misinterpret completely. It can be frustrating and hurtful. The printed medium in these types of forums are not always conducive to productive interactions, and I do very much appreciate those who are clear in what they say and refrain from jumping to erroneous conclusions, asking questions first when in doubt. I love to read the various forums and discussions, and do find much encouragement in some. Thank you for starting this thread

 

[Lafftur]

@morefaithrequired and @Magenta

I loved reading both of your posts!!

God gave us emotions for a reason. Our emotions motivate us into action. Yet, encouragement can motivate our emotions to get motivated about doing something productive.

lol! What I said sounds like a hamster wheel but, anyways....

Encouragement is VERY necessary.

 

[morefaithrequired]

and begs the question.....what are you struggling with now in your life which a little encouragement from the rest of us might help?

 

[morefaithrequired]

Here I will experiment with different ways of encouraging.
The situation then is my first year as an elementary school teacher .
After 6 months of daily chaos and constant headaches I am looking for answers. I turn to the experienced teacher next door.
"Sit down. Let me make you a cup of coffee. Now tell me all about it."
(after 10 minutes or so)
"Ok well. No need to beat yourself up. We all make mistakes in the first year. I was terrible and almost quit. Now I can write a few things here for you. Set a few ground rules. Aim for democracy long term but you need to establish your authority. Dont let them ......"

 

[morefaithrequired]

So ideally the person giving encouragemrnt has some experience or wisdom to offer. Some expertise in the field.
But we can try to give encouragement even if we are short on expertise or skill.
"are you sure you want to quit? you might regret it later".
"maybe you arent as bad as you think"
"you must be suffering a lot of stress and anxiety now. why not take a few days off and try to relax."

 

[mailmandan]

That avatar picture looks familiar. Is that Dr. Smith from the TV show, "Lost in Space?"

I do try to encourage others at times, but should probably do it more often. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

 

[tourist]

That avatar picture looks familiar. Is that Dr. Smith from the TV show, "Lost in Space?"

I do try to encourage others at times, but should probably do it more often. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

It is indeed Dr. Smith who was the most interesting character. The Robot was the next most interesting character. Judy was the least interesting but at least she was hot.

 

[morefaithrequired]

That avatar picture looks familiar. Is that Dr. Smith from the TV show, "Lost in Space?"

I do try to encourage others at times, but should probably do it more often. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

yes dr smith. he was the most interesting character, the rest were too perfect

 

[tasha66]

My job is to encourage others every day & be non-judgemental. Stay positive - always! Though it can get hard some days & can be very mentally stressful.

 

[Lafftur]

That avatar picture looks familiar. Is that Dr. Smith from the TV show, "Lost in Space?"

I do try to encourage others at times, but should probably do it more often. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

I, too, should probably do it more often......

 

[Lafftur]

Alright, everyone.......listen up! Here's some encouragement for you!

No worries! God is with us and loves us! Even if we mess up, He will help us overcome!

Hang in there and just keep moving forward with God. Stay with Him!

 

[Lanolin]

David encouraged himself. He did this by praying when there was no one else around to cheer him on.

So sometimes thats what you need to do.

A good book to read is 'how to survive your first year in teaching'

One verse that stands out for me in the Bible is 'be strong and courageous for the Lord is with you wherever you go'.

If teaching primary school remember...those little people are children and they are grasshoppers in your sight, and you are a giant to them...so you actually have an advantage.

One thing I learned was...wait to everyones quiet before speaking. Even if it takes ten minutes for complete silence. Just cross your arms and stare at them, look at your watch...and wait.

 

[morefaithrequired]

I try to encourage good efforts on youtube. Whether it be a helpful physical therapist or an amateur singer/musician doing a cover of a song I like. Some have strangely very few views and I often say as much. That they deserve more views/more recognition.

 

[oldethennew]

when The Holy Spirit guides us to 'encourage' others, it's the same principle
when Peter asked Christ, 'Should i forgive my brother seven times'?
MATT. 18.:22.
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

when is our DUTY ever done???
may we walk as He has told and taught us to do through His Holy Words...

 

[laughingheart]

Helping other people to see their own beauty and worth is a joy. During a writing course I came to one of my biggest regrets. I regret that I spent most of my adulthood seeing myself through the eyes of someone who did not love me. Too many people believe what is reflected back to them this way, whether it be a spouse, parent or peer group. It is my calling to help people see their true selves. Telling people the differences they have made in the lives of others is a blessing. Telling people the potential you see in them, building them up, is healing. Sometimes the best encouragement is to sit quietly and listen. It lets the person know that they are worth your time and attention. Sometimes there are no words. Just be, and love. This will be proof that they are cared for and this is an encouragement.