I can do all things through Christ Part 2 How to make others strong

Our 4th Statement of faith: I can do all things through Christ. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6

Am I an encourager or a discourager? “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs 18:21

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Pr 12:18 A study was done by psychologist Dr. Henry H. Goddard, on energy levels in children.

Become a life giver, not a life drainer.

You make yourself strong when you… 1. Make others strong “But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it.” Deut 1:38

“But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.” Deut. 3:28

2. Learn how to see good in others and communicate that to them. Encouragement acknowledges the fears that people have as real, and emboldens them despite those fears.

3. Comfort others “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you...

Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” I Thess. 5:11-14

How to become a better encourager: 1. Use PLEASANT words without barbs “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25

2. Recognizing what God is DOING through them “On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews…

For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.” Galatians 2:7-9

3. Express GRATITUDE for how they have blessed us “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.” 2 Thess.1:3

4. Communicate that you BELIEVE in them “They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them ?” Ps 64:5

5. Speak well of them to OTHERS “for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.” 2 Corinthians 9:2

6. Don’t discourage them Some people think that frustrating others will make them try harder, that saying, “You can’t do that” will challenge them to succeed. This is not typically true.

“The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.” Pr 16:21

“Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out (and encourage your men), not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now.” 2 Samuel 19:7