Encourage One Another Daily

[mar09]

I encourage often. Too many assume I'm discouraging.

Some say the same of my husband. I sometimes say too, but in time i realize he meant well, and need some help or medications to sting some, but it was really to help push us slowpokes=).

 

[mar09]

Hi Lynn,

I'm always looking for new ways to encourage others. It's one area I like to and want to grow in.

Suggestions?

The best encouragement i know to bless others and myself are words from God. It may be thru text msg as mentioned, thru hymn or song lyrics whether sent or forwarded as a few lines or by vid. Altho certain articles may be helpful at times, the short, direct words of Scripture, like if i was grouchy, unhappy or tired and someone shared me Prov. 18.1 for example, it could get me meditating on that, w/o much distraction or clutter from other (ppl's) thoughts and ideas. Here is the verse btw:

Proverbs 18:1English Standard Version (ESV)

18 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.


Just recently, when i passed by the campus and read bulletin boards, i realized theres so much of many things but not of His word. Announcements, invitations to orgs, etc, but no word of God.. just like that. Would u not be glad to see a bond paper size of a Bible verse posted here and there when u walk around in school, or the office (and not just on pc's and gadgets)? I'd like that and be encouraged, and hope others will be too.

 

[Desertsrose]

The best encouragement i know to bless others and myself are words from God. It may be thru text msg as mentioned, thru hymn or song lyrics whether sent or forwarded as a few lines or by vid. Altho certain articles may be helpful at times, the short, direct words of Scripture, like if i was grouchy, unhappy or tired and someone shared me Prov. 18.1 for example, it could get me meditating on that, w/o much distraction or clutter from other (ppl's) thoughts and ideas. Here is the verse btw:

Proverbs 18:1English Standard Version (ESV)

18 Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he breaks out against all sound judgment.


Just recently, when i passed by the campus and read bulletin boards, i realized theres so much of many things but not of His word. Announcements, invitations to orgs, etc, but no word of God.. just like that. Would u not be glad to see a bond paper size of a Bible verse posted here and there when u walk around in school, or the office (and not just on pc's and gadgets)? I'd like that and be encouraged, and hope others will be too.

Hi Mar,

Amen!

There are many ways to encourage others. Sometimes I find myself offering a scripture verse, other times I'm taking a friend out for some tea or coffee or maybe lunch and allow them to unload. It just all depends on what they need and what encouragement meets the need of the moment.

Ultimately it's serving one another as the Lord leads; it's having a servants heart.

Even Noah needed some encouragement.

 

[WineRose]

Paul told us to encourage one another daily.

I thought it would be great to have an, "encourage one another thread".

It seems that this is not one of those things that comes easily to us. How do you encourage people in your daily lives?

Do you purposely set out to encourage your family, your friends, your church family, your co-worker, your pastor, someone you know is down in the dumps?

What are some ideas you can think of that will help us to be an encourager?

One idea that I have is to text something to someone that would give an encouraging boost to help them through their day.

If they don't have a smart phone, there's always a quick phone call or a snail mail pick me up card.

I am HORRIBLE at encouraging, or giving good advice. Proof: See my posts on the Post Something Encouraging thread... :/

However, I could try...but you may not like what you see.

 

[brighthouse98]

Many fine thoughts upon lifting a person up rather then tearing one another down! For me there are 2 things I always keep in and on my mindset!! 1. 1 thess 5:18!! we are always in his will by staying thankful to Jesus our self. and 2!! We also keep our peace through our Jesus the very same way he kept his!!( Phil 4:7-9!!!)verse 9!!!!! Our words now because he lives in us are full of the very same grace he gave first to us!!( Col 4:6!!) For the longer our tongues are seasoned in the salt( which is his Word) Holy Spirit will led us all even more in every area of our life!( Rom 8:14-15!!)

 

[student]

I like affirmations...bible verses the best, of course. I find an image and attach a verse...print, laminate and add a magnetic strip...offer as a gift. Or I've printed out little cards...like a business card....and given them to friends. I'm not as good in verbally encouraging, but this is a reminder to try. It ought to go beyond, "nice outfit" once in a while :/ my bad...

 

[Desertsrose]

I am HORRIBLE at encouraging, or giving good advice. Proof: See my posts on the Post Something Encouraging thread... :/However, I could try...but you may not like what you see.

Hi WineRose,


Maybe you don't really understand what it means to encourage?


If you're having a really bad day, how could someone encourage you?

 

[WineRose]

Hi WineRose,


Maybe you don't really understand what it means to encourage?


If you're having a really bad day, how could someone encourage you?

I know what it means...it's just that I'm not really as empathetic or emotionally sensitive as most of the people on this site, so... :/

Also, if I had a bad day, I had a REALLY bad day. Typical "Ohhh, you shouldn't feel so bad about that", "You're much stronger than that" or "This will eventually pass", or blah blah blah encouragements would do nothing other than annoy me a little more, because I've already seen, heard, and possibly even smelt, tasted, and touched these kinds of sentences countless times. No, no. You have to do better than that. What I REALLY need to feel better is some darn good music and a good night's sleep...



...Sorry if I sounded a little salty there. :/

 

[Desertsrose]

I like affirmations...bible verses the best, of course. I find an image and attach a verse...print, laminate and add a magnetic strip...offer as a gift. Or I've printed out little cards...like a business card....and given them to friends. I'm not as good in verbally encouraging, but this is a reminder to try. It ought to go beyond, "nice outfit" once in a while :/ my bad...

Hi Student,

What a lovely idea; the cards and magnets.

I think that we aren't encouraged enough to practice encouragement. To some it comes more natural, maybe that's part of the gift of showing mercy.

I always think about myself when I see others hurting and think of ways that might encourage me and try that on them.

Or, if I know them well enough, I consider them and their personality. If you watch someone's life close enough, you begin to pick up on things that cause them to be encouraged. It's similar to the book written by Josh McDowel, "The Five Love Languages".

As you begin to learn things about others, you minister to them in the best way that they'll receive it. One person might be a hugger and another isn't. One person might like a small gift as an encouragement as you do with your magnets and cards. Others might like to go and have an ice tea or coffee together and just chat.

Some might like for you to pray for them, while others might be lifted up by a scripture or an praise report as to how God worked something similar out in your own life. Others might need some alone time.....some space.

I remember one time our church had us write ten things that we appreciated about our spouses. That really ministered to him.

Thanks so much for sharing what you do! I think it's awesome!!!

 

[Desertsrose]

I know what it means...it's just that I'm not really as empathetic or emotionally sensitive as most of the people on this site, so... :/

Also, if I had a bad day, I had a REALLY bad day. Typical "Ohhh, you shouldn't feel so bad about that", "You're much stronger than that" or "This will eventually pass", or blah blah blah encouragements would do nothing other than annoy me a little more, because I've already seen, heard, and possibly even smelt, tasted, and touched these kinds of sentences countless times. No, no. You have to do better than that. What I REALLY need to feel better is some darn good music and a good night's sleep...



...Sorry if I sounded a little salty there. :/

Hi Winerose,

Thanks for responding. Nah......you are being honest.

No one likes those pat answers that don't seem genuine. But that's where we need to be gentle and patient. Some don't know what to say and just say anything, but they are being genuine.

Learning to encourage others is something we all grow into. As we grow in the Lord, we grow in the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.

All of those would help us to encourage others. So as you grow more in the Lord, you'll also grow in compassion, empathy and kindness.

You're a young lady so you'll be growing in those areas as you mature in the Lord.

So in your case, the person who gets to know you better will know how to encourage you. But as they try, on your part it's good to accept their encouragement, even if it wasn't exactly what you want or need.

 

[Depleted]

I am HORRIBLE at encouraging, or giving good advice. Proof: See my posts on the Post Something Encouraging thread... :/

However, I could try...but you may not like what you see.

Proof: your drawing thread.

You have the gift of laughter and not taking things to seriously. Great gifts when someone could use encouragement. I seek you out when I need that. (I just don't tell it to you. lol)

 

[Enow]

See God in Everything
--A. E. Finn


"Give me a new idea," I said,
While musing on a sleepless bed;


"A new idea that'll bring to earth
A balm for souls of priceless worth;


That'll give men thoughts of things above,
And teach them how to serve and love,


That'll banish every selfish thought,
And rid men of the sins they've fought."


The new thought came, just how, I'll tell:
'Twas when on bended knee I fell,


And sought from HIM who knows full well
The way our sorrow to expel.


SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small,
And give HIM praise whate'er befall,


In life or death, in pain or woe,
See God, and overcome thy foe.


I saw HIM in the morning light,
HE made the day shine clear and bright;


I saw HIM in the noontide hour,
And gained from HIM refreshing shower.


At eventide, when worn and sad,
HE gave me help, and made me glad.


At midnight, when on tossing bed
My weary soul to sleep HE led.


I saw HIM when great losses came,
And found HE loved me just the same.


When heavy loads I had to bear,
I found HE lightened every care.


By sickness, sorrow, sore distress,
HE calmed my mind and gave me rest.


HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise
Since I gave HIM the upward gaze.


'Twas new to me, yet old to some,
This thought that to me has become


A revelation of the way
We all should live throughout the day;


For as each day unfolds its light,
We'll walk by faith and not by sight.


Life will, indeed, a blessing bring,
If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING."

May He help remind us that no matter how bad it is as it seems to be getting worse, Jesus is still Lord.

 

[student]

Hi Student,

What a lovely idea; the cards and magnets.

I think that we aren't encouraged enough to practice encouragement. To some it comes more natural, maybe that's part of the gift of showing mercy.

I always think about myself when I see others hurting and think of ways that might encourage me and try that on them.

Or, if I know them well enough, I consider them and their personality. If you watch someone's life close enough, you begin to pick up on things that cause them to be encouraged. It's similar to the book written by Josh McDowel, "The Five Love Languages".

As you begin to learn things about others, you minister to them in the best way that they'll receive it. One person might be a hugger and another isn't. One person might like a small gift as an encouragement as you do with your magnets and cards. Others might like to go and have an ice tea or coffee together and just chat.

Some might like for you to pray for them, while others might be lifted up by a scripture or an praise report as to how God worked something similar out in your own life. Others might need some alone time.....some space.

I remember one time our church had us write ten things that we appreciated about our spouses. That really ministered to him.

Thanks so much for sharing what you do! I think it's awesome!!!

Thanks...after reading that, I guess I do more than just affirmations...but seriously I'm awful in a crowd, includes church. Where three or more are gathered, I'm frankly a wall flower. Where one is alone or lonely, I'm Johnnie on the spot...it's how I feel most comfortable.I read body language to determine the most effective things to offer. Not always accurate, but pretty good. I've learned, "contankerous" spirits are pained, angry spirits are scared, excited spirits are sometimes nervous underneath it all....things like that to minister to the spirit. I also send birthday cards for a group I'm in. They've long used secular cards. Not on my watch...it's all about the Lord. A way to encourage their hearts on their special day. Tired, oh so tired, but so grateful to minister to a flock...God bless! -student

 

[Desertsrose]

James 4:10

 

[BillG]

Good word. It is we ourselves that are prisoners if we harbor resentment hatred,or unforgiveness.

Revenge is one fruit of unforgiveness.

Revenge is God's property.

Like you say,be free!!!!

Yes indeed.

To forgive is to set the prisoner free.
Only to realise that the prisoner was you!

 

[BillG]

I think for me one of the things I do is when I say “Hello to someone how you doing?
I actually take the time to listen

 

[oldethennew]

us also, Bill - what blessings' come in such small packages sometimes?!?!?

 

[Desertsrose]

I think for me one of the things I do is when I say “Hello to someone how you doing?
I actually take the time to listen

Amen, Bill.

There's many hurting people out there.

Sometimes all they need is for us to listen - really listen as you say. A gentle touch, a soft hug, a tender squeeze of the hand. They all speak comfort and peace to the pained heart.

At times I'll even send up a prayer to ask God what to do, say reach out. Many times it's just listen.

You are a gentle soul!

 

[Desertsrose]

us also, Bill - what blessings' come in such small packages sometimes?!?!?

Hi oldethennew,

........and sometimes the smaller the better! You both are a blessing!

 

[Desertsrose]

Yes indeed.

To forgive is to set the prisoner free.
Only to realise that the prisoner was you!

​Hi Bill,

I just read that quote last week, but I don't remember who said it. Do you know?