Encourage One Another Series

c. I’m encouraged by ladies who teach our children year after year – people like Doris Coomey, Pearley Taylor, Joyce Perkins, Anita Bourdeau, Kathryn Olbricht, and Diana Owens.

d. I’m encouraged by those who are always here – like Earl Jenkins; and those who come from so far away – like the Warrens, Zimmermans, Hoods, and Sawyers.

e. I literally could go around the auditorium and name each person and tell how they encourage me just by their example.

5. The example of so many is a powerful encouragement to us all.

B. Second, our presence can be of encouragement.

1. When Job’s life came crumbling down his three good friends came and just sat with him for seven days – that’s presence!

2. Unfortunately, after the 7 days they opened their mouths, and were not very encouraging with their words, but before that their presence certainly was.

a. Sometimes the most encouraging thing we can do is just be there to listen – no advice, no solutions, just an understanding ear.

3. So many times there isn’t a lot that we can do for folks when they are hurting, or sick, or in the hospital, but one thing we can do is be there.

4. We can show up for a visit at home or at the hospital.

5. Our presence makes such a difference at a funeral home, or on a more positive note, at a graduation party, shower or a sporting event.

6. The Holy Spirit is our Parakelete. He comes along side of us, and His presence makes a difference.

7. We, too, can parakeleo each other – we can come along side and lend support.

8. Another very important way that our presence makes a difference is here at worship services and at the other gatherings of the church.

9. Our presence makes an important, positive statement, and our absence makes a harmful, negative statement.

10. A key reason for our coming together is for encouragement and certainly all of us need that.

11. But those who are strong and may not need the encouragement as much at certain times, but we must realize that we need to come together to encourage others.

12. There are times that we come together not as much to receive as to give.

C. Finally, our words can be of encouragement.

1. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”

2. Another well-known writer, William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

3. Proverbs 12:18 says: “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

4. Proverbs 18:21 says: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

5. Isn’t that amazing? You and I have that kind of power!

6. We can use our speech to tear people down or to build them up – to bring life or death.

7. One of my favorite verses on this subject and one I’m trying to live by is Eph. 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”