How well do we support and encourage others?

Encouraging and affirming

Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
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. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Christian faith is about living better with God in God's world.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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.

Be very careful with what you say that it will be encouraging.

To encourage, build up, support.

Ephesians 4:29,32 (NIV)
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. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

How does this apply to our lives?

Home - Look for situations where children are doing well and praise them for it. It doesn't help to pretend that a child's failure is not real but we can focus on the future and things that will go later. Don't just reserve praise for their success, because if it doesn't come they will feel it more when there is a lack of achievement. It also involves encouraging your friends and partners. This then becomes crucial with us. Do we praise and encourage the little things, the everyday stuff.

Workplace - praise lots and criticise less. Each member of a company contributes different strengths and these should be rewarded.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
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.

What does this look like in the community? - Do we ever say a well done, thank you?

Church - do we do it at church? Do we encourage one and other in the church to develop the gifts and skills that each have.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

This will be discouraging world, we do need one and other to build each other up. It is a good way to live.

But is more than that ...

Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.