Encouragement
Encouragement will lift, support, and help others through difficult circumstances, all from God's perspective. Being in Christ means living our lives for Him with excitement in all times and all places. This is influence; this is what encourages others.
Here are positive examples from Scripture
Nehemiah 2:17-20
1) This talks about rebuilding the wall. God is in the work and approves it. God was in full support of it.
1 Samuel 19:1-7
2) Jonathan confronted his own dad. This took courage on his part. He spoke of David well=encouragement.
Matthew 3:16-17
3) This affirms of Jesus. God calls Him Son to prove/show His identity.
Matthew 26:6-13
4) Jesus is encouraging the woman and honoring her even though she was ridiculed by others.
Here are negative examples from Scripture
Numbers 13:25-33
1) Because of the negativity, they could easily get crushed with that kind of mindset. The people who went caused a discouraging atmosphere for others, spreading the discouragement. They were sticking to their circumstances and not what God will and can do. There was no God in their conversations or thoughts at all. We should always look at things in the lenses of God.
Reflection Questions
How would you define Encouragement?
Do you tend to be more critical, negative and disheartening? Why do you think that is?
What issues in your life would improve by being more encouraging?
In what ways has God encouraged you? How can we begin to be an encourager this week?
Shinning Star Community Church
Falls Church, Virginia
In[2]Him Youth Ministry 2012
