encouragement

encouraging one another
1 samuel 23:15-18
pastor luke

who are we? who do we belong to?
-as christians, we were called to manifest God's love because He had poured out His love for us just so that we can do the same..
-loving God and people should come naturally.

in today's society, it's always mind that governs the attitude. thus, we become selfish, competitive, self-centered. we stop caring for one another. caring doesnt only mean being nice. it includes time and energy, which we dont really have since the world demands a hell lot from us. we got to care and encourage one another. (as christians, we should have a different definition of what is a relationship)

take for example, in today's scripture. david was running for his life since king saul was all out to kill him. it was totally tough on david who was persecuted, betrayed.. a very low point in his life. but in the midst of isolation, prince jonathan went out of his way to help david. he sacrificed and recognized the will of God in david. obviously, jonathan wasnt having a good time too. he had his hands totally full but it didnt stop him from being there for david.

3 characters to see
david
saul
jonathan

saul, being satan, who is against christians. planning daily to set you up got one knock-out blow.
david, being a normal average christian.
and jonathan, being all of us.

we need to be sensitive to other people's needs and feelings. encouragement has to be intentional.
we all need a jonathan and david in our lives.

so how we should go about doing it?
it doesnt really have to be advising.. stuff that you may find hard to do.. being there for the person does help. let the person just talk it out, unbundle him or herself, figure out a solution by themselves (taking ownership)..
1. firstly, ask about one another to show that we care)
2. using self-disclosure; common experiences to build bonds (a source of encouragement and empathy)
3. quoting scripture (3rd person -> God's presence)
4. praying for one another
5. dont focus on self. dont dominate the conversation.

take time to know one another and be friends. dont give up on meeting one another and the sat meetings are important!!! church is an avenue to encourage.