I AM CREATED TO ENCOURAGE
The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) 11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” As we continue to learn about our new nature in Christ, the need to crucify self to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives becomes much clearer. We are created in this new nature to serve, to praise, and also to encourage. To encourage means to inspire with hope, courage, and to spur on.
Biblical hope is more than a “worldly” hope where we simply long for our dreams to come true. Biblical hope is founded in what God has done and in the certainty that God will fulfill His promises in the future. Christians place their hope in Christ alone and His promise to someday bring them into heaven. Paul said in Acts 23:6 (NIV) 6 I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead." This kind of hope is encouraging to us and gives us confidence and boldness knowing that one day God will either call us home to be with Him or Christ will return for us. In 2 Corinthians Paul is speaking about the Spirit of God being in us and he says in 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV) 12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Courage is mental and moral strength to endure; to be very bold and confident. Courage is sometimes translated as confidence in Scripture. In Hebrews 3:6 (NIV) 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. The same Greek Word is in Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence (or courage), so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
To spur means to stimulate strongly. The book of Hebrews speaks about spurring one another in Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The word "spur" gives us a visual picture of a rider spurring his horse to get it going. We are to strongly stimulate each other toward love and good deeds according to God' Word.
Biblical encouragement is more than just saying kind words to one another. We are to be continually instilling courage in others to accomplish one specific goal. The goal is to be like Christ. Our task is to encourage people as they grow stronger and mature in Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says that we are to lay our lives down to "encourage and build each other up." It is our mission to see that everyone succeeds in their relationship with Christ.
As we mature in our praise to God, we must also grow in our encouragement of others. Both of these areas are rooted in Scripture. We encourage one another by speaking the very words of God. Our flesh finds faults with others, but our Spirit encourages them.
We are not only told in the Scriptures to encourage one another, but we are told in Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) 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 need to focus on filling each other with courage, hope, and confidence daily; faithfully keeping our eyes on Jesus and His return!
WHERE DO WE GET OUR ENCOURAGEMENT FROM?
1. From God
We get our courage directly from God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV) 16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
Psalm 10:17 (NIV)17 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.
When the apostle Paul was in prison, the Jews, in Jerusalem, stirred up a riot to try and have him killed. But during the night, Paul encountered a visitor who encouraged him. It says in Acts 23:11 (NIV) 11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, "Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome." When we are walking with God and following his ways, we get our encouragement directly from the Lord!
2. From God’s Word
God’s Word is what increases our faith and inspires courage within us. Studying the Old Testament gives us confidence in the future. Knowing about God’s deliverance and miraculous powers from stories throughout the Bible, gives us confidence that He will also raise us from the dead. In Romans 15:4 (NIV) 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
The Word is to dwell in us richly. It is through His Word that we have the encouragement to live unashamedly for Christ in this generation. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." This promise is repeated in the New Testament in Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) 5 …"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
When we stop meditating on the Word daily, we begin to lose our courage and we forget about obeying the Lord. Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV) 9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. In Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (NIV) 20 it says, In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" 21 tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders--great and terrible--upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers. 24 The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. 25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us that will be our righteousness."
We need to be retelling the stories of what God has done for us, so that future generations will know how to serve Him. We must encourage everyone to remain true to God and His Word, in order that it might go well with us. This generation is experiencing the consequences of our disobedience. We must encourage all Christians to turn back to God now!
3. From others
We are told to encourage others. Many examples of encouragement are found in Scripture. In Acts 20:1-2 (NIV) 1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,
Preachers are to be instruments of encouragement. In 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV) 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
When we hear that others are walking in righteousness, it is encouraging to us. It says in 2 Corinthians 7:13 (NIV) 13 By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
Paul illustrated this several times. He sent others back to the churches to encourage them by sharing with them his faithfulness and telling them what God was doing. Tychicus was sent to the church in Ephesus and Colosse.
Ephesians 6:21-22 (NIV) 21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
Colossians 4:7-8 (NIV) 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
Timothy was sent to Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-4 (NIV) 1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
TELL PEOPLE THAT YOU LOVE THEM AND THAT YOU BELIEVE IN THEM -
BIBLICAL ENCOURAGEMENT HAS A PURPOSE
The purpose is as Paul stated in Colossians 1:28-29 (NIV) …that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. This is our life’s goal: We are to make disciples, faithfully committing ourselves to them so that they may become perfected in Christ. We are to lay down our lives to serve everyone. We must encourage our families, our friends, and even our enemies. Our goal should be that everyone becomes perfected in Christ!
Here are some Biblical examples of encouragement:
Encourage others to be loving - Philemon 1:7 (NIV) 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Encourage the timid - 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV) 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Encourage the young men to be self-controlled - Titus 2:6 (NIV) 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
Encourage others to repent - 2 Corinthians 7:13 (NIV) 13 By all this (speaking of their repentance) we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
Encourage others to keep meeting together - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Encourage others not to have an unbelieving heart - Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV) 12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 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.
Encourage others with sound doctrine - Titus 1:9 (NIV) 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
KEYS TO BIBLICAL ENCOURAGEMENT
1. Keep a Kingdom focus
Moses, after he had displayed anger, was not allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land. In our spiritual journey, it is never about us! It is always about God getting the glory for the things that we do. Moses took credit for the water coming out of the rock when he struck the rock in anger and said in Numbers 20:10 (NIV) 10 "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" This is the sin that kept Moses from leading the people into the Promised Land. Moses could have become negative and bitter. After all, he had led the people through the plagues, through the Red Sea, and then through 40 years of wandering in the desert because of their grumbling. Moses blamed the people when he told them about God’s new plan, but he also submitted himself to God and His will. He focused the rest of his life on encouraging another man to lead. This encouraging of the next generation is vital! If we are to return to God in our nation, we must invest our lives in the lives of others by encouraging and strengthening young men and women to become a new generation of godly leaders. We must encourage the nation to be Christian again.
God told Moses to commission Joshua to lead the people. Deuteronomy 3:28 (NIV) 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."
In the New Testament, Jesus has become our leader and we are commanded to follow Him - Matthew 16:24 (NIV) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Our goal, as Christians, is to follow Jesus so closely that we can say to others like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. If we are not there, yet, we can still encourage them to keep a Kingdom focus by saying Ephesians 5:1 (NIV) 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Or 1 John 2:6 (NIV) 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. This is our goal in encouragement that we would present everyone perfect in Christ!
Biblical encouragement is so much more than just saying nice things to people; like “you look nice today.” It should keep spiritual matters at the forefront of your mind. Salvation is the greatest miracle in life. Without salvation, a person will spend an eternity in Hell. So our goal is not just to tell people when they look nice, but to encourage them to come to know Christ and to mature in Him. When Paul is speaking to the Church at Corinth he begins to tell them his credentials for being a minister. It says in 2 Corinthians 3:1-4 (NIV) 1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God.
Paul’s confidence for being a minister was that people were being born again and looking like Christ. This is our goal in encouragement! Our desire should be to see people born again and brought into the Kingdom of God. Paul takes no credit for what God is doing in his life when he says in 2 Corinthians 3:5,6 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant--not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
This is evidence that Paul is saved and that he is fulfilling his purpose of encouraging people. Later in the letter, Paul says that we are all to be ministers: 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (NIV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
What good does it really do for others if all we say are things like: You look nice. You did a great job. You have a nice house. These things are not wrong, and they should be said, but they definitely do not go deep enough. We must encourage others with Biblical encouragement: encouraging young men to be self-controlled; encouraging the timid; encouraging people not to have unbelieving hearts; encouraging people not to give up meeting together; encouraging sinners to repent; and encouraging everyone at all times with sound doctrine. It is of no benefit to people if we tell them they look nice and they end up in hell. Looking nice in hell will count for nothing!
2. Look for the weak in heart
Have you noticed that being a Christian here on this earth can be hard? We are not to love the things of this world. We are not to participate in pagan things or chase after our own lusts. We are to forgive and love our enemies. We are to give thanks in all circumstances. We are to witness, serve, praise, and encourage. We will look like aliens and strangers to the world when we follow Christ. We will even get persecuted for it. The writer of Hebrews writes to the church to encourage them not to lose heart and to stay focused on the promise of heaven! Do you know anyone going through a hard time? Do you know anyone who is discouraged? Then, walk alongside them and encourage them. Remind them of this passage in Hebrews 12:1-11 (NIV) 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Remind them that Jesus endured the cross for us and at times he allows us to go through hard things because He loves us. His desire for us is holiness. If we go through His discipline with thankfulness and praise, we will become stronger, having more courage and confidence than we did before. Help them to praise God in all circumstances and redirect their complaining hearts. Place new courage within them through Biblical encouragement. Have them memorize Psalm 23 with you and declare it together!
Psalm 23:4-6 (NIV) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
We are a powerful witness when we give thanks and praises to God through our trials. It shows the world that we know our future home is being prepared for us in heaven. This life is only temporary as Jesus told us John 16:33 (NIV) 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Who could you share an encouraging verse with? Who do you know that is weak in heart and could use a hug and some spiritual nourishment?
3. Supply what is lacking
All of us are corrupt individuals and have areas we can work on to become more Christ-like. As believers, we are to be supporting one another in love and working toward the goal of maturing in Christ. In our old nature, we become fault finders; but in our new nature, we become encouragers. It is easy for us to see what is lacking in other people, but it takes the work of the Holy Spirit for us to supply what is lacking in others. Look at 1 Corinthians 16:17 (NIV) 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
Jude 1:16 talks about evil men who were faultfinders. These men could easily point out the faults of others. It was obvious to them what people were lacking, being blinded about their own sin of pride. We can easily follow our old nature and get into this fault-finding mode. But when we do, we look more like the devil, who is called the accuser in Revelations 12:10. Remember, the opposite of encourager is faultfinder.
Look at what Paul did when he saw something lacking in another’s faith in 1 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV) 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Paul supplied what was lacking in their faith. He spoke the truth in love and prayed earnestly that Christ would perfect them in their short-coming.
Our corrupt nature accuses, gossips, complains, and finds fault in others. But our new nature, prays earnestly and walks alongside others to supply what is lacking. We could transform our families, churches, and communities if we would encourage others like this! Is there something lacking in your spouse or in another relationship? Are you faultfinding or are you earnestly praying and supplying what is lacking? A complaining accuser will not encourage another to be more like Christ. Their words will bring discouragement, strife, and tear the other person down. This faultfinding attitude brings disgrace to the name of Christ. As one of God’s children, you did not learn to accuse from Him. You are not following Him if you point out the faults of others. James 1:5 (NIV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
A recent news story, which aired on a CBS show called "On the Road Again," credited a young man who made a decision to place the success of another his priority. The student who succeeded in the story had a disability and had been the team manager of a high school basketball team. In his last game as manager, the coach decided to suit him up and play him in the game. The manager’s name was Mitchell Marcus. When Mitchell entered the game, in the final minutes, his team did everything they could to help him score a basket. But in spite of their efforts, and Mitchell taking a few shots, there was still no success. Their final attempt to get Mitchell to succeed in making a basket, resulted in Mitchell missing the pass, and the ball going out of bounds to other team. What happened next is an awesome illustration of encouraging another. A senior player on the other team held the ball to pass it in for the final play of the game. But instead of passing the ball to his team, he decided to, as he put it, “Treat others as he would want to be treated." He called out Mitchell's name, who happened to still be standing by his basket, and he threw him the ball. Mitchell turned around, shot the ball, and made the basket just as the buzzer sounded! Here is the link to the news story: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57570865/act-of-sportsmanship-gives-texas-high-schooler-shot-at-glory/
We all have disabilities. We all have areas that we can improve upon. As the body of Christ, we are all in this perfecting business together. Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV) 1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We fulfill the law of Christ when it is our goal that others succeed in their faith. Can you help carry their burden and encourage them to succeed?
4. Look for the righteousness in them
Many times Paul had to encourage Christians through some very tough issues like pride, selfishness, idolatry, greed, prostitution, sexual immorality and adultery. Most of the time, we are not even dealing with these kinds of issues and we still would rather point out the faults of others. In Romans 1:8-12 (NIV) 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world…10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong-- 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
In the letter to the Romans, Paul dealt with selfishness, homosexuality, hypocrites, and other sins, yet, he did it all in love. First, he said something that he could praise them for. “I thank God for all of you, because of your faith.” Next he was in prayer over them and finally he longed to see them to impart a spiritual gift to them and to fill them with courage! Can you thank God for the person that you have found fault with? Will you pray earnestly for God to impart a spiritual gift to them so that you both can be mutually encouraged? Are you so focused upon what is lacking in them that you cannot even see the righteousness that Christ is doing through their life?
If someone was going to share with you an area that you were lacking in, how would you want them to tell you? You would want someone who you knew loved you and saw some good in you. You would like to hear some good news before the bad news.
Transform your relationships and begin to biblically encourage others.
1. Thank them for the righteous things they are doing
2. Pray for them about what is lacking in their lives
3. Come alongside them to fill what is lacking
Last week we learned that we are to do everything without complaining. We are not to be complaining about what is lacking in people, but we are to be encouraging them toward love and good deeds. Would people say that you are an encourager or a faultfinder?
Look at Paul’s example:
1 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV) 4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus;
Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV) 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy; Colossians 1:3 (NIV) 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV) 2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Do you know who Joseph the Levite was? Most people don’t know him by that name because the apostles called him Barnabas. Acts 4:36 (NIV) 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement).
Barnabas was called son of encouragement by the men who walked with Jesus. What an awesome title to be given. When Saul got converted on the road to Damascus and became Paul, he ended up in Jerusalem and wanted to join the apostles. The Bible says in Acts 9:26 (NIV) 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Could you imagine? Saul was the man who is going around arresting Christians, throwing them in jail, and having some of them killed for their faith. This man wanted to meet with the apostles. If you were in their shoes would you be afraid? Would you want to be arrested by this very powerful man of the Sanhedrin and the Romans? Would you be afraid of being separated from your family, possibly thrown in jail, and most likely even killed for your faith?
They may have heard what they believed to be rumors of his conversion, but they were sure this was just a trick to get them in his presence.
Would you have the courage to face him? Would you be willing to meet with this man? What man would have the courage to come face to face with such an anti-Christ individual? The son of courage! That's who. Barnabas. Barnabas was not afraid of Saul or any man for that matter. He was courageous! Just as God intends for all of us to be. He was a man like Joshua who heeded the words spoken by God to Joshua. Joshua 1:6-9 (NIV) 6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
This is very similar to our call in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
The Bible says in Acts 9:27-28 (NIV) 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Barnabas saw what was lacking in Saul and he came alongside him and spoke up for him. It was Barnabas who brought him to the disciples. Barnabas wasn’t concerned about his own welfare or reputation. He was concerned about Saul. If Saul really had converted, then he was going to be hated by the Sanhedrin. What used to be Paul’s companions would have now become his enemies and Saul needed a friend. Barnabas put his own reputation on the line. If the disciples would have been unwilling to meet with Saul, after Barnabas had befriended Saul, then there would have been a real possibility that the apostles would no longer meet with Barnabas.
In your new nature, you are made to be men and women of courage!! Your new nature is longing to impart this courage to others so they may know God and be right with Him. Knowing that someday, when He returns, they will be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are to be building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Fault finding, accusing, and complaining words are not to be come out of our mouths. Are you imparting courage within others or are you discouraging them with your words and actions?
