Encouraging one another

We will actively seek to encourage and build others up (Hebr. 10:25; I Thes. 5:11)

This involves intentional effort on our part. What encourages and builds up? This will vary for every person, but here are a few thoughts from a message I gave a while back:

• Affirm people for who they are and what they do
• Notes, emails, quick phone calls ( to say thanks, to let someone know you appreciate them or simply that you were thinking about them)
• Honesty. “I have needed honest Christians to inspire me with their transparent lives, to encourage me to be honest when I am struggling.”
• Allow people to struggle. “Sometimes a person doesn't want to hear anything from us they want us to listen, they just want a caring, loving shoulder to cry on, sometimes we don't want it fixed, we just want to be heard.”
• Be there for people (support, physically, emotionally, financially, etc.)
• Personal and sincere involvement
• Create a welcoming environment that says “I am glad you are here”
• Pray for and with people

This list is obviously not exhaustive, but as we continue to put these things into practice I think God will continue the good work He is doing in our midst.

As always, I would love any thoughts or feedback you may have.