10/10/08
Stocks, Jobs, and Bad News-How to Help
With 9.5 million people currently unemployed in the United States, it isn’t unusual to find ourselves living next door to a family out of work. Or sitting in church next to a brother or sister who faces financial uncertainty. Or learning that a relative’s job has been eliminated because of downsizing. Surely, now is a crucial time for us to encourage one another.
Of the many “one anothers” mentioned in the Bible, I find that “to encourage one another” occurs most frequently. Putting these scriptures into practice, I believe there are some practical ways to encourage each other, regardless of the source of discouragement.
1. Recognize when people need to be encouraged.
2. Share a personal testimony of encouragement.
3. Encourage repeatedly, even on a daily basis.
4. Teach sound doctrine.
5. Encourage by example, how we respond to crisis.
6. Encourage with authority, regardless of what others think.
7. Encourage with hope, sharing thoughts about anticipated outcomes, the new job that awaits, the Lord’s provision.
8. Learn how to speak words of encouragement.
9. Encourage with our presence, not just with what we say. The unemployed can have extra brooding time on their hands. Take a walk together and listen while the exercise and companionship boost your neighbor’s spirits.
10. Other ways of showing support might include giving a physical or financial gift, providing expertise like editing a resume, taking care of children to allow an unemployed couple time together, praying together and sharing pertinent scripture.
11. Encourage others to set goals and help them to achieve them. These can be plans for spiritual growth as well as plans for financial security.
When struggling through difficult times, we are particularly vulnerable to thoughts of unbelief – Why me? Why now? Does God care? Encouragement is an antidote for these struggles. “…encourage one another daily…” (Hebrews 3:13) I need it, we all do.
Don McMinn, Phd.D. (with Kimberly Spring)
Executive Director of theiPlace.org
The 11th Commandment: Experiencing the One Anothers of Scripture
Post a Comment
