SANCTUARY
SOUNDS

Encouragement is defined as an expression of support or approval, or is words or actions that assist or inspire someone. When you praise a child and encourage him to keep trying this is an example of encouragement. If, I were to look at the word encourage it simple means, to inspire courage. The biblical definition of encouragement centers around the idea of building strength and courage in the inner self.

The spiritual gift of encouragement is the special ability God gives to inspire others to reach their full potential by challenging, comforting and guiding them in such a way that they are motivated to grow. We've done people a disservice in the area of encouragement. Some of us don't know how to support a person that's suffering by our approach, words, and demeaner without being domineering or insensitive and meeting people where they are by putting ourselves in their shoes and practicing empathy.

We lack tact in difficult situations and the ability to uplift people with our peaceful presence. As, christians we should never expect an immediate change of emotions or state of being when it does not happen on our time and have the response that when that does not happen they are hopeless (beyond help). God never gives up on us no matter how dark of a place we find ourselves in.

The question to ask is: How do I help the situation? Your words can either restore or tear a person down. As, well as depending on the words you use they can send a discouraged person spiraling downward. Pressure is definitely not the answer. You have to surround yourself with people who care about you, and who love you, and who can see you're hurting, but who keep encouraging you. Solomon said: Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up (Proverbs 12:25). There is a critical approach that need to be utilized especially when you're in a position to encourage others. I think Paul hit the hammer on the nail when he said: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29). ALWAYS HAVE A SPEAK LIFE MINISTRY!

In conclusion, I believe It's important to have the approach of always being patient, kind, extend grace, in addition to exemplifying the love of God. The most powerful words of encouragement are: I understand, I care, I'm praying for you not try to fix them. Relative to the passage in Joshua man must

Your ministry is not a waste; your service is not a waste. Don't waste your sorrows. Transform pain into power. Turn trials into triumphs. Transfer burdens into blessings. Transmute wounds to wisdom. Turning stronghold energy into purpose. Reverse the curse. No matter what you go through in life, praise him when things are going good, praise him when things are going wrong, praise him when things become shaky, and praise him anyhow. Focus on service strive for greatness and pursue excellence as it pleases God. It’s not about ME. It’s not about YOU. It’s not about THEM. It’s all about HIM. To BUILD the life you want CREATE the WORK you LOVE perfect your CRAFT and create your own BRAND. Focus on your why, your assignment, your purpose, and your calling. Your ministry is found where you’ve been broken; but your testimony is found where you’ve been restored. Be delusional enough to believe it’s possible. Be disciplined to prove yourself right.