Encouragement

Read Hebrews 3: 1-19
Hebrews 3:13
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

We all need encouragement. The scripture says we are to build each other up every day. The reason why we are to spur each other on is so that we will not be become so discouraged by our sins that we give up trying.

Hebrews 3 talks about the generation of Israelites in the desert who have tasted God’s goodness and yet continued in their unbelief. Many of us who have had experienced God’s blessings in life are also capable of stubbornly disbelieving Him. Encouragement from our brothers and sisters are God’s verbal audible voice to us to keep faith and not lose heart when the going gets tough and rough.

When and how do you give encouragement?
1. When the person is going through a tough time and looks down
2. When the person does something well or completes a task
3. When the person has ministered to you
4. Tell the person privately
5. Acknowledge the person publicly
6. Convey thanks to the person’s loved ones or family
7. Write a note, say it verbally, give a thumb-up, a pat on the back, etc
8. Do it IMMEDIATELY or as soon as possible

”Everyone needs recognition for his accomplishments, but few people make the need known quite as clearly as the little boy who said to his father: "Let's play darts. I'll throw and you say 'Wonderful!'" (Bits & Pieces, December 9, 1993, p. 24)