“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 NLT
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
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RealChristianWomen.blog
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
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RealChristianWomen.blog
After reading the book of Job, I learned some things about how NOT to encourage others. As you probably know, Job’s friends were not encouraging! They made things worse! Here are some things we can do to encourage someone.
1. Listen. Listening is better than talking.
We need to give the person we want to encourage focused attention. That means we are carefully listening to them, not just waiting for our turn to talk. (Ouch!)
Having someone listen is the best medicine for a hurting heart. The thing your friend needs most may not be answers, but someone to talk to and share their hurts or worries with.
2. Provide affirmation.
3. Be compassionate and caring.
4. Do not pretend to know what they are going through or tell them what happened to you.
5. You might provide support by writing them an encouraging note.
6. Pray for them.
Maybe the Holy Spirit will lead you to pray in a certain way. Or maybe He will guide you in what to say. Or maybe He just wants you to show love and compassion. If your friend wants your advice, she will probably ask for it.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;” Romans 12:6,8 (Emphasis mine)
For some being an encourager is a spiritual gift, but it is something we must all do. Let the Lord guide you to those who need your encouragement.
I can’t tell you how many times a comment someone left me on my blog turned my day around. Many times, the Holy Spirit is encouraging me through their message, but they probably had no idea how timely it was. In fact, this happens quite often.
“encourage the disheartened” 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Disheartened means to be discouraged. Do you know someone who is discouraged? You can encourage them.
The definition of encouragement is: “The act of inspiring others with renewed courage, a renewed spirit, or renewed hope.”
When I was a special education teacher, it was obvious to me that all my students needed encouragement. But children with special needs aren’t the only ones who need encouragement. Look around. People who need encouragement are all around you. Ask God to help you and reach out.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Note: I have learned a lot about encouragement from David Jeremiah’s book, The Joy of Encouragement. I think you would, too.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart.” Proverbs 27:19
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Katherine Conrad on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. 1963
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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RealChristianWomen.blog
“The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense],
But a prudent man ignores an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 AMP
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Malicki M Beser on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!” Psalm 42:11 NLT
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Liza Summer: https://www.pexels.com
RealChristianWomen.blog
Are you unhappy about circumstances you can’t change? Maybe you are married to an unbeliever. Maybe you are a widow. Perhaps you are single and want to be married. Maybe, like Paul, you are in prison. Whatever your circumstances you can learn to be content.
I was listening to a Christian podcast as I walked my dog, Henry. I often listen to other Christian thinkers or pray as I walk my little buddy 2 or 3 times a day.
Something the speaker said really jumped out to me. He emphasized the word learned in the following passage.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:11-12, The Apostle Paul speaking (emphasis mine)
Paul didn’t say, “I’m content in every circumstance.” He said, “I have learned to be content.”
Just like we learn to be discerning, patient, self-controlled, godly, etc., we must also must learn to be content in every situation. This was something I had never noticed before even though I have read the passage many times.
There are circumstances in my life that have kept me from being content. I am thankful for what God has given me. I can make a long list of the things I am grateful for in my life, but there is one thing that keeps me from being genuinely content.
When I realized that contentment is something I can learn, I was very encouraged. So I am asking the Lord to teach me how to be content in my present situation. I believe He will. In fact, I already have a different perspective on it.
My message to you: If you aren’t content in your present situation, ask the Lord to teach you how to be content. Tell Jesus you want to learn how to be content. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t pray for God to change our situation. But sometimes, our need is to be content where we are.
If Paul could learn to be content when in prison or when going hungry, we can also learn to be content no matter what our circumstances happen to be.
My prayer is that this short lesson will give you hope, knowing that Jesus can and will teach you how to be content. Ask Him.
“ But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6
“Teach me, Lord …” Psalm 119:33a
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Real Christian Women 