A NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE GREENWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST

VOLUME 2 NO. 18                                            June 19, 2005

“THE ART OF ENCOURAGEMENT”

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

Encouragement is needed by all!  In the writings of Paul in the New Testament we find him in almost every epistle giving encouragement.  Sometimes he also stated that there was something wrong and that the individual or congregation that he was writing to should correct the wrong.  The art of encouragement is a talent only a few display.  Many times we are quick to criticize when we really need to use the art of encouragement to get our point across.  Being quick to criticize can belittle the person that we are talking with instead of encouraging one to do better.

In the first chapter of the book of Romans, we find that the Lord gave those over to depraved minds that did not listen to His teachings.  Also, in the book of Revelation we find that letters to the seven churches of Asia were filled with encouragement as well as warnings.  The Lord, our Master Teacher thought out the best avenue to get the point across.  While the Lord did speak direct in many cases, He always spoke out of love.

The art of encouragement is needed in the church today.  We are very quick to criticize a bible class teacher, a song leader, a preacher, someone cleaning the building, those waiting on the Lord's Table or anyone that is in the public eye for some mistake that they might make.  Many times this leads to one becoming discouraged, not because someone said something, but because of how it was said or what was said.  Usually, the person saying something has a justifiable suggestion or criticism.  However, the way to present the suggestion or criticism should be considered.  In Paul's writings or in Christ's teachings the motive was the same, to encourage that individual or group of individuals out of love to do better in the service to the Lord.  This should be our motive, encouraging one to do better.  Teaching someone takes thought and time.  Criticizing someone without using the art of encouragement takes little time or thought.

While I admit that I have a lot to learn about the art of encouragement.  I have made a commitment to myself to stop before I criticize and take a few moments to decide, how I might use the art of encouragement to help build a relationship.  Also, if I am the one being encouraged or even criticized, let me then practice the “art of encouragement” within myself in dealing with the issue.  May we all want to do better and understand that others can help us be a better person and Christian.  Would you join me in the effort of practicing the “art of encouragement?”

“HOW TO GET ALONG WITH PEOPLE”

A SELECTED ARTICLE

1. Keep chains on your tongue; never gossip (James 3; Col. 4:6).
2. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully (Mt. 5:37).
3. Be genuinely interested in others and considerate of their feelings (Eph. 4:32; I Pet. 3:8).
4. Keep an open mind; discuss without arguing in the worst way (Isa. 1:18).
5. Be positive and cheerful for good and greater effect upon others (I Thess. 5:17).
6. Pay no attention to cutting remarks about you; don't be too anxious about your rights and having favors repaid; enjoy helping others (Phil. 2:2-5).