Key Thought: Become an encourager. Our greatest value in life comes from pouring into others.
Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.
· How do people feel when someone else is constantly pointing out their faults?
· Who comes to mind when you think of someone who is a consistent encourager?
Start thinking. Ask a thoughtful question.
· Think of someone who encourages you. What do you think of that person?
· How does being a fault finder align oneself with Satan? (Hint: Revelation 12:10)
· What does scripture say about how we should use our words with others?
Start sharing. Choose questions that create openness.
· How has someone made a difference in your life by encouraging you?
· Name some ways we can each leave our daily lives better than we found them.
· When was a time your words tore someone down? What would you say differently if you had the chance?
Start praying. Be bold, and pray with power.
Dear Jesus, thank You for loving us. Your Word shows us examples of how we should use our words for healing and encouragement. You also gave us examples of godly people in our lives who spoke encouragement over us when times were tough. Today, we commit to using our words to encourage others for as long as we draw breath. Help us to honor that commitment, Lord. We ask all this in Your precious and holy name, amen.
Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
· Share with the group the name of the people/person whom you will encourage this week. Go and encourage that person, then share with the group next week how it turned out.
· Every time you think of something positive about someone in your life, commit to telling them in person and publicly.
· As a group, write a list of encouraging things about the other members, then have one group member compile those things into a list for each person – just as the nun in Pastor Bil’s story did – then distribute those lists at the next group meeting.
Scriptures
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 ESV
“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs 12:18 NLT
“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.” Galatians 5:14-15 NLT
“Don’t use bad language. Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.” Ephesians 4:29 TLB
“It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.” Proverbs 21:19 NLT
“For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” Revelation 12:10 NLT
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 NIV
