We are living in a world starving for Encouragement- Are you starving

Are you starving? Do you need Validation, or Encouragement or just building up because you are down? Does validation matter to your heart? It does to mine! So again, I say, “YES, We are starving more than we know.”

Have you heard or said these words to another person?

• You will never be any good.

• You are just like your daddy, no good.

• Girl, you are just like your mamma, and she was no good.

• You are mean and evil, just like your daddy or mamma.

I am almost certain that these statements do not “say” you MATTER! These are harsh, degrading statements in any language. But, validation matters and is a basic need in your and my life.

Validation is a basic need!

We all want to feel we matter. We want to know who we are matters, and that we are not invisible—we want others to know that we are valuable human beings with talents to offer to the world.

People, young and old, are STARVING emotionally. They don’t feel valued or that they matter in the eyes of others. Yet it is an enormous RISK to ask, “Do I matter”? Or, “Did I do a good job”? Or, “How can I improve …”? We can’t afford to be reluctant to give genuine encouragement. We can’t afford to lie, deny, or stretch the truth to others.

The Spirit of an Encourager.

One of the Great Encouragers found in the Bible is Barnabas. He spent time and traveled with the Apostle Paul.

I like how one writer described Barnabas- a respected leader of the early church was nicknamed “son of encouragement.” He traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey. He supported, encouraged, and affirmed Paul when others sought to harm him. When we encourage others, it builds them up to utilize their full potential for ministry.” http://spiritualgiftsdiscovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Gift_Encouragement.pdf

The Apostle Paul is the author of 13 books in the New Testament. Unfortunately, because of Paul’s past, the beginning of his ministry was challenging and there was a lack of support, but Barnabas was there for him.

What do you need to hear, know, and believe?

These are examples of what I’ve wanted and needed to hear at one time or another hear in my life. Maybe you have too. I hope these help you

Darlene, please tell me your plans. Darlene, let’s spend some time together (tomorrow) and talk about … Darlene, you did a good job … Darlene, I love what you are doing … Darlene, you are essential, and you matter …

Encouraging and affirming another person is essential to personal well-being and growth.

We face challenges in our lives and need to hear a good word from someone. But we don’t always remember the person is a creation of the GREAT I AM. A person God loves, A person God called and designed for a purpose. I don’t want the consequences of destroying a person purposed by God. Do YOU?

Following these truths, we can set the stage for how we will be known and remembered! Our job is not to destroy a person’s worth but to build up. And I believe we can do this if we challenge ourselves with examples from scripture.

Can I be like this woman?

Proverbs 31:26 (AMP) She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].

Can I change my way of thinking?

Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

Can I recognize my unhealthy attitudes/speech?

Proverbs 13:3 (AMP) The one who guards his mouth [thinking before he speaks] protects his life; The one who opens his lips wide [and chatters without thinking] comes to ruin.

Can I apply?

Proverbs 15:4 (AMP) A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a tree of life, But a perversive tongue[speaking words that overwhelm and depress] crushes the spirit.

Can I demonstrate?

Philippians 4:8 (AMP) Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

In Closing

I sometimes struggle with self-doubt. You could say I am my own worst enemy! But, I’ve learned to ask the hard questions rather than entertain my self-doubt in silence. I don’t want to be my own tormenter.

My questions to you: Do you want to continue to live in a world starving from something you can give? Is the cost of a good word too high to pay? Or, are we starving so much that we feel we can’t afford to give? Can you and I make a difference in someone’s life?

References

Amplified Bible (AMP)Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.