Friday, October 12, 2012

Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (3)



Use Words of Encouragement

According to Wordweb encourage means “to inspire with confidence.” As one studies through the preaching of the apostles, this was part of their work. “As ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying… (1 Thessalonians 2:11; ASV). Paul even charged those of Thessalonica to do the same to the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14; ASV). There are going to be times in which we or someone we know will lack courage. The words we use in those situations will either create or kill confidence. For example, one may say, “I really need to lose weight” or “I have a bad habit I really need to quit.” There are a number of ways in which this can be handled. What will be said in this instance? “Well, you know it’s really hard. It takes a lot of commitment. Do you really think that you can do something of this magnitude?” That doesn’t inspire much confidence does it? Instead, it really dismisses the person as a failure before he has a chance doesn’t it? What about saying, “I have confidence that you will meet your goal and I will do everything I can to help you through this.” That shows your confidence in them, which inspires self confidence in that individual. The same can be applied in the church when someone who has never really been involved wants to do more for the cause of Christ. The words one uses can either inspire courage or cause it to expire. Use more words of encouragement.

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