ENCOURAGEMENT-06 (Proverbs 22:11)

ARE YOU AN ENCOURAGER OR DISCOURAGER?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
One who loves a pure heart and who speaks
with grace will have the king for a friend.
(Proverbs 22:11)

MEDITATION:
Words could be the most powerful force available to humanity.
We can choose to use this force constructively (with words of
encouragement), or destructively (using words of discouragement
and despair). Words have energy and power with the ability to
help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to
humble others.

Each morning I look forward to the words I sincerely believe
the Lord provides for the lessons/devotionals. I am often surprised
at how He guides me to a scripture that contains words which
seem commonplace, until He reveals much more from them
than I could ever imagine. There are times when Satan will
try to convince me that I should take credit for these revelations,
but God’s Spirit always reminds me that everything shared in the
devotionals, is flowing from the Lord.

At any rate, in Proverbs we see that attitude and words are the keys
to friendships. Whenever we are honest and sincere, when we have a
heart to see happiness in others, and when we speak encouraging words
with grace, our friendships will span the entire gamut of society; from
the poor to the rich, from those in lowly positions to those who are in
esteemed positions.

In a world of deceit and selfishness, it is refreshing whenever
we meet someone who is genuinely honest. In addition, we value
their friendship even more whenever they speak words that are
uplifting and encouraging.

One question to consider is,
    Who benefits the most from words of encouragement?
Is it the recipient of the words, because their spirit has been
elevated, or is it the giver of the words, because they can see
the positive impact their words have had on someone else?

Jesus tells us that giving provides greater blessings than receiving.
    In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of
    hard work we must help the weak, remembering the
    words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed
    to give than to receive.’
    (Acts 20:35)

Whenever we are motivated to encourage others, we find that
it is much easier to replace selfishness with selflessness. If we
are sincerely committed to becoming more like Christ, then
we should remember His unselfishness, His sacrificial attitude,
and His great concern for others. Any skepticism or doubt about
His concern for others was demolished when He went to the cross,
and gave His life for each and every human being.

ACTION:
What is the motivation for the words you speak to others?
Are they spoken selfishly, or do you enjoy encouraging
others? When you have a spirit of encouragement, you
have a desire to inspire others with hope, courage, and
confidence. And when you do, you will have a greater
self-esteem, because you know that you add value to
the lives of others.

In Romans, Paul talked about the gifts of the Spirit given to
each believer, and one of the gifts he mentions is ‘encouragement’.
    if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;
    if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to
    lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy,
    do it cheerfully.
    (Romans 12:8)

This may be the spiritual gift God has given you, and if it is,
then take Paul’s advice and ‘give encouragement’. If God has
given you a different spiritual gift, you can enhance that gift
when you encourage others.

Ask yourself these questions:
    Do I have a desire to encourage others?
    What efforts do I make to encourage someone (anyone)?

    Are there any things in my life that are discouraging to others?
        For instance, do I ignore phone calls and texts from certain
        people? If so, you are discouraging others by giving them an
        impression that they are not worthy of any communication
        with you. Look at the importance Paul placed on our opinion
        of others, and how we respond to them.
            Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
            Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
            not looking to your own interests but each of you
            to the interests of the others.
            (Philippians 2:3-4)

        With that thought in mind, how do you feel whenever
        someone won’t answer, or return a call from you, or
        ignore a text you sent them. Jesus was qualified to be
        ‘above’ anyone else, but He was gentle and humble.
            Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
            for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you
            will find rest for your souls.
            (Matthew 11:29)

        There might be a few times when we forget to respond to others,
        but if our reason is not forgetfulness, then why would we ever
        ignore and discourage someone? Jesus didn’t ignore anyone
        (including those who were harassing Him), and we shouldn’t
        either, if we claim to be one of His followers.

        In Matthew 11:29 when Jesus commands us to learn from Him
        how to be gentle and humble in heart, He says we will find rest
        for our souls. Why would we find rest? Because we know we are
        exhibiting some characteristics of the One we are following.

Last question:
Are you an encourager or discourager, and why?

If others are discouraging someone, do you join in? If so,
then why? Wouldn’t you rather be more like Jesus even
if it caused you to be less popular with others?

If others are providing encouragement for someone (letting
them know they are praying for them, etc.), do join with them,
or do you choose to remain silent? Jesus wasn’t silent about
His love and concern for others, was He?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for being a constant encourager
to me! Help me to be an encourager to others, and to become
less selfish in all that I do. Show me how to enjoy the pleasure
of lifting the spirits of those I meet. I pray that you will help
and encourage me in my efforts to develop a mindset similar
to Jesus, so I can view things more from His perspective, and
so I will not cause others to be discouraged.”

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