Encouragement: Four Points of Clarity.

Encouragement what is it really? Well, encouragement is a verb. We do it and have it done to us. One writer describes encouragement this way.

"To encourage means to inspire with courage, spirit, and hope; to hearten; to urge forward."

I like to think of it as put courage in people. Understanding what it means to be an encouragement is important. We can't do something with excellence without first have a good working knowledge of it. In short, We need to understand encouragement so we can be encouraging.

Four Points of clarity.

1. Encouragement is needed because life is difficult.
Everyone occasionally gets discouraged. We face times when life seems difficult, progress slow, or challenges insurmountable. In light of this, we can see why we need to be encouraging and to encourage others.

2. Encouragement is needed to keep us from spiritual laziness.

At other times, when we let our priorities get out of line, our zest for pressing ahead begins to slip away. We give in to the temptation to settle down and take it easy, and our pursuit of God shifts into neutral. At such times, we need someone to come alongside and exhort us onward. The writer of Hebrews refers to this when he writes, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb:10:24).

3. Encouragement does not sound like a motivational speaker.

Pep-talks based not on positive thinking or blind optimism are not helpful.

Encouragement that is worth anything is rooted in truth. God's word is truth.

When our words rise from on the manifold promises and hope held out to us in the Scriptures our encouragement has power beyond us.

Also, unlike most motivational speaker's we must speak from the heart not just ;know how to say it meaningfully. Appreciation must be authentic if it is not we run the risk of becoming the kind of person who uses words to flatter and win approval. Giving thanks can become habit and lack the reality of being truly heartfelt.

4. Encouragement is marked by affirmation, appreciation and thanks
Encouragement can come from expressions of appreciation and thanks.

A few examples:

“You've done a good job,"
“I've noticed the way you have persevered in faith and joy through your trial,” “Thanks for the way you served,”

Such words are all deeply encouraging to hear. If we truly mean them the Holy Spirit can use them in powerful ways.

Reflection:

Job was described by his friends as being a skilled encourage (Job 4:3-4).

How would you rate his wife's gift in this area? (Job 2:7-10).


Footnote:
Adapted from Mickey Connolly's chapter in "Why Small Groups?" ed. C.J. Mahanney . p. 63