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5 Reasons we should be actively encouraging others—part 2
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SERIES—Part 2
As mentioned in
part 1 of this series,
it's God's will that we be active encouragers.
Mutual Christian encouragement is a huge part of our corporate responsibilities as Christians—and
vital to the church beyond words.
The Bible instructs us to "encourage one another daily..." (Hebrews 13:3). In so doing, we build others up and strengthen
their faith—just as happens with us when we are the recipients.
Just one sincerely spoken, kind moment of encouragement can make a huge difference. It can lift an otherwise discouraging day
to the level of "tolerable" or even better.
It also fosters the "spiritual family environment" God wants us to always have.
And—as mentioned in
part 1—such
nurturing family environments are fully capable of welcoming new "babes in Christ" into the church.
So, let's continue with the series "5 Reasons you should be an active encourager"...
#4: Because failing to do so results in discouragement
One church bulletin read: "Don't let worry kill you off—let the Church help."
It could have as easily read: "Don't let discouragement kill you off—let the Church help."
Of course, the double meaning is obvious: When a church actively encourages, in performing this vital responsibility it builds us up in the faith.
On the other hand, when a church fails to encourage enough, the opposite effect can certainly—perhaps even ALWAYS—happen: People
can become discouraged, spiritually discharged, and may eventually look to "other options" so far as their church attendance is concerned.
Unfortunately, many people who leave a discouraging church never did their own part to encourage others. It's hard to criticize if
we're part of the problem, isn't it?
So, we must ALL determine to be part of the solution.
And then you will see a church, committed to truth in both teaching
and practice, flourish in the way Christ intended.
How tragic it is when the very institution designed to give people strength, instead discourages their spirits!
Although some churches have enough active encouragers that a pleasant, positive spirit is developed in the church
(and only two or three such Christians can sometimes accomplish this)—many churches offer
little personal encouragement beyond a brief handshake on the way to the parking lot.
Another important point to remember: Pre-assembly encouragement can often be more important than post-assembly,
since it sets a tone of sincere love (Christians are commanded to
"greet one another," which itself sets an encouraging tone—see Romans 16:16, and many other verses).
But Christians must strive to be true "brothers and sisters" to all their brothers and sisters in Christ.
It's also interesting how
some Christians place such great emphasis on assembly, but little if any emphasis is placed on mutual encouragement and
greeting one another when we first meet. Did you know that these are commanded more so than the command to assemble?
Why then do we elevate one command above another? Obviously, we must seek to please Christ in all we do.
Needless to say, churches that fail to encourage often don't grow.
Which means they will eventually shrink and in many cases even die. Weaker Christians will sometimes choose to attend a
"happy" denominational church that seems to be spiritual (although truth is not an issue with them)—rather than attend a
dead conservative church where "having no spirit" is clearly not a concern. Of course, neither situation is acceptable to God,
but I believe the latter is often easier to cure.
#5: Because it puts you in the proper position to administer loving discipline, if necessary
They say that for every negative comment you make to a person, you
should—on average—say about 7 positive things to that person first.
If all you say to a person is negative, when there's a lot of positive that could also be truthfully said (which there usually is)—your
negative comments will probably be viewed as unrealistic, and your respect from that person will likely deservedly diminish.
If, on the other hand, you're continually pointing to the positives about that person (flattery, or exaggerated statements, are not
helpful or truthful),
then when it comes time to say something uncomfortable that needs to be said, he or she will be far more likely to listen and
change behavior—if necessary. And you will likely be held in higher esteem.
The proverb says:
A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.
(Proverbs 17:10)
On the flip side, if we're receiving a rebuke, the following is also worth our consideration:
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
(Proverbs 15:31)
Which brings us to church discipline.
Obviously, congregations are required to administer church discipline in a number of scenarios (immorality not repented of,
false teaching, laziness, etc).
The goal of discipline is always to bring back the wrongdoer to the faith, so his or her soul will be saved. In other words,
it's to be administered based on love. Paul said that we must "do everything in love" (1 Cor 16:14).
In order to administer loving discipline, it greatly helps to have been actively encouraging that person all along.
In fact, if we are active encouragers, discipline may never be necessary at all. Our encouragement may actually prevent
our brothers and sisters from wandering into sin—which, of course, is part of its purpose.
Or, if someone does commit a sin requiring Biblically administered discipline—your past
encouragement will likely play an important role in bringing him or her back to the faith. It also makes your visiting
him or her a more comfortable situation for both parties. (The same goes for visiting the sick; instead of
this "feeling uncomfortable and strange"—it feels as though we are visiting a cherished member of our family, just
as it should.)
Neglecting something so simple and vital (and rewarding) as active encouragement will almost certainly cost people their
souls.
Doing God's will in this matter, on the other hand, almost certainly has, and will, save souls.
A few final tips to remember about encouraging others
- According to Hebrews 10:25, one of the things we're required to do when we assemble is to encourage one another.
As shown in the above verses, this responsibility is not confined to the public teacher. We are all required to be active encouragers.
- Make sure your encouragement gives spiritual strength. It's good to talk about weather, jobs, and other things at times.
But our primary responsibility in the church has to do with the spiritual battle we are waging. So, when encouraging, remember to
spiritually encourage. Talk about scripture and encourage your brothers and sisters in their Christian walk.
- Make sure your encouragement is sincere, or from the heart, rather than forced and artificial.
- Make sure your encouragement is truthful. For example, if you heard a truly good sermon, be sure to mention that to the speaker.
If the lesson was "not that great," don't leave that impression with the speaker since such efforts will be reinforced. Instead, be honest
when encouraging others.
- Don't forget to encourage your leaders. Encourage them whenever they're involved in leadership that is helping the church. If they
are inactive, encourage them to do more, so the church can grow (2 Cor 7:4,13). One excellent way to encourage leaders is to respond
to their loving, scriptural leadership. Leaders are encouraged when spiritual activities they're trying to organize are well-attended
and participated in. Of course, if that doesn't happen, it often has the opposite effect of discouragement. Never forget that such functions,
among others, are for your good as well.
- Don't confuse a handshake with encouragement. A terse handshake while you make a beeline for the parking lot is not encouragement—at least,
not to me. Yes, there's value in such a greeting, and it's certainly better than nothing.
But would you consider a handshake with your physical brother or sister once a week to be encouraging
them? Nor is such the case with your spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Increase your encouragement to others during times of their trouble or hardship. The Bible commands us to "rejoice with those who rejoice
and weep with those who weep." (Romans 12:15)
- When your church fails to do its job and actively encourage you, remember that you can also receive encouragement through the word of
God—which should be our primary source of encouragement. (see Romans 15:4-5)
- If you are a public teacher, you have special opportunities to encourage others in your teaching (along with other types of required teaching,
such as instructing, rebuking, etc). Even rebuking can be approached in an encouraging style (Titus 2:15).
- Your strong faith can itself help encourage others. Christians of Philippi were encouraged by Paul's imprisonment to be more courageous
themselves. (Phil 1:14)
While it's hard to encourage others when they never want to return the favor, we must remember to "do to others what we would want done to us,"
even when we are not receiving it ourselves. This is a sign that we are mature spiritually.
For the children are not expected to encourage the parents, but the other way around. Then, when children hopefully grow to
maturity, they can encourage you as well.
RETURN TO PART 1
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