Encouragement

    The Importance of encouragement can’t be emphasized enough. How often have we said or herd others say, "I could use a little encouragement now"
    Encouragement helps us overcome difficult situations, times when we for the moment can’t see the possibilities that have become hidden to us.
   “When people starting to get overwhelmed by situations, making decisions can be difficult, especially the hasty decisions made when we are angry, anxious, depressed, frustrated, etc, also a discouraged soul is more likely throw in the towel much sooner then a person who has the right kind of encouragement to persevere.
   Think of young children, when at any given time they may feel crushed by the smallest thing. They definitely are in great need of continued encouragement to look past the moment and to see the good or the possibilities, even on a daily bases.
   Young teens are entering a time of rapped changes in their lives which often include extreme emotional changes which add internal turmoil to the already rapidly changing outside influences of, budding relationships, academic expectations and other pleasures of life. This is another time in life that calls for the right kind of encouragement.

    As a disciples I am convinced that the whole Bible is God's book of encouragement. Therefore, I want to learn what it is the Bible teaches about the subject and make the lessons as complete as I can and to come up with a concise summation of what God wants me to learn and how to apply it to my life so I am a more encouraging person.
    I have tried to include definitions and other sources to help make it clear what it is to be encouraging.

Key:
Key word in Red
Important words in Black
Word inside () added to clarify persons and places.
Footnotes (ii) these are verse references that are located at the bottom of the page.
# - Personal Comments  30 L

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Table of Contents:
Pg 1 Introduction                                                                  Pg 9 The standard to be a good    
         Key                                                                                         encourager:   
Pg 2 Table of Contents                                                                Practicals: Encouragement is 
         Definitions:                                                                                     outward focused:      
         Praise vs Encouragement: Michigan State Univ.   Pg 10 Practicals: Use Scripture
Pg 3  Key Verses                                                                  Pg 11 Practicals: Serve others
          All Scripture is God’s Word of Encouragement:    Pg 12  Practicals: be an example
Pg 4  Encouragement directly from God:                         Pg 13 Practicals: Seek those in   
Pg 6  Encouragement is God's Command                                   need.
          Bad Encouragement                                                  Pg 14 Prayers
Pg 7  Remember:  Encouraged from Scripture:                          Concluding Thoughts.
Pg 8 Seeking ways to Encourage:
         EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW: Paul

Definition: Encourage:
Verb:
Give support, confidence, or hope to someone
Give support and advice to someone so that they will do or continue to do something

   While looking for some resources into the need for and benefits of encouragement I came across a number of websites links. I have listed at the end of the study for you to look at if you like.

Praise vs. Encouragement: Michigan State Univ.
“Encouragement is more effective than Praise in Guiding Children’s Behavior”
Encouragement is non-judgmental. Encouraging statements point out specific facts but do not evaluate them. Phrases such as "You really worked hard" or "Look at all the green you used in your painting" or "I bet you are proud that you finished that whole puzzle" are examples of non-judgmental encouragement. Children who are encouraged tend to develop a stronger self-motivation and pride in their work because the encouragement focuses on what they are doing well, not what the teacher thinks about their work.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/praise_vs_encouragement

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Key Verses: (2 verses)
Heb 1 Warning Against Unbelief: (v7-19)
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness.

2 Tim 4 A Final Charge to Timothy: (v3:10-17 – 4:1-8)
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I (Paul) give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

#  Giving the right kind of encouragement is so important that Paul gave Timothy and us the charge to do it daily until our Lord returns, and to do it the right way, through great patience and careful instruction, so it will have the best positive effect.

All Scripture is God’s Word of Encouragement: (4 verses)
2 Tim 3 A Final Charge to Timothy: (v10-17)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Heb 12 God Disciplines His Children: (v4-13)
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[Prov 3:11-12]

# Encouragement comes in different forms, it is tailor made for each person as needed. Also  the Lord’s discipline just as much a form of encouragement positive words to do something. It provides me assurances of God’s presence, love, devotion and concern for my welfare, just as much as other ways to encourage that are found throughout scripture.

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Philip 2 Imitating Christ’s Humility: (v1-11) Note: Read Chapter 1 for context
1 Therefore if you (disciples) have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my (Paul’s) joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

#   This is another verse that affirms that The Whole Bible is a Book of encouragement especially the New Testament. I see the encouragement here as one of self examination. Looking at the relationship I have with Christ as a blessing, than I should imitate my Lord, demonstrating the same heart he did toward me and the church.
 
Rom 15 The Weak and the strong: (v14:1-23 – 15:1-13)
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

#   The Encouragement: The Word of God was written to teach us what we need to know so we become imitators of Christ, it also provides us the needed encouragement to persevere in order that we may grow in the likeness of his attitude and mind toward all believers

Encouragement directly from God: (4 verses)
Judges 7 Gideon Defeats the Midianites: (v1-25)
10 If you (Gideon) are afraid to attack, (then) go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp.

#   This is the 3rd time God provides Gideon with something that gave him encouragement, the first two happened when he put out the fleece and received the affirming sign that what God told him to do was real and would be successful. This last bit of encouragement I’m sure was very welcomed, especially since his fight force was reduced from 32,000 to 300, they were putting their lives on the line to obey God.

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Luke 12 Warnings and Encouragements: (v1-12)
1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.

11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

#   Three different encouragements;
1. To resist the influence of the bad encouragement of the Pharisees
2. "Persevere" For those who believe in Jesus to publicly acknowledge him before others,
     in the face of opposition and in return he will acknowledge them in heaven.
3. when needed the Holy Spirit will provide what I need to say at my time of defense.

John 16 The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy: (v16-33)
32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you (disciples) will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me (Jesus) all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

#   Like Gideon who faced overwhelming odds and was reassured and encouraged by God 3 times, the disciples will face a time of persecution; be scattered and not find peace in the world.
   The saying “to be forewarned is to be for armed” is a good description and an encouragement to prepare. Further encouragement comes in the promise that Christ has already “overcome the world”.

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God Commands Encouragement:
Rom 12 Humble Service in the Body of Christ: (v3-8)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your [or the] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, (then) do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, (then) do it cheerfully.

#   I think the key here is "Use whatever God has given us" Each act here is an example of ways to encourage. They all have the same common treats of being outward focused  onto others and since it shows action than it is sacrificial as well.

Bad Encouragement: 2 verses
Job 16 Job Replied to Eliphaz: (v1-22)
4 I (Job) also could speak like you (Eliphaz), if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you.
5 But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

#   Job’s situation is one where he could really use some positive encouragement and comfort, but where his friends failed so completely that they did the opposite.

2 Chron 22 Ahaziah King of Judah: (v1-9)
2 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, a granddaughter of Omri.

3 He too followed the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him to act wickedly. 4 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as the house of Ahab had done, for after his father’s death they became his advisers, to his undoing. 5 He also followed their counsel when he went with Joram son of Ahab king of Israel to wage war against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth Gilead. The Arameans wounded Joram;

#   This is like the warning of bad company corrupting good character 1 Cor 15:33 [I] It is especially difficult when your parents are providing the bad encouragement.

FOOTNOTES:
[I] 1 Cor 15 The Resurrection of the Dead: (v12-58)
33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
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Remember:
    There are 231 verses the word "remember" in the Bible, 50 in the New testament, 20 with "remind" 12 in the New Testament..

    A lot of the letter in the New Testament is built around urging us to remember what we already have learned, to help up bring our focus back to Christ, Heb 12:2 [I] and what he taught us so that we will not be discouraged by what the world throws at us. Like Peter when he Got out of the boat and walked on the water. He was fin until he took his eyes off of Jesus. Matt 14:29-30 [II]
.
Encouragement from Scriptures:
1 Thess 5 The Day of the Lord: (v1-11)
5 You (disciples) are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

# Encouragements:
1) You are all “children of the light”, a great way to start out an encouraging message.
2) Live in the light doing the things appropriate to that.
3) Jesus dies for us and we are assured to be with him
4) With the assurances of 1, 2 and 3 continue to encourage one another and build each
     other up just as you have been doing

2 Thess 2 Stand Firm: (v13-17)
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

# Encouragement:  
    Encouragement you can and be sure to go back to the source, by remembering  that the source of all our encouragement is Christ who loved us and who gives us eternal encouragement and good hope.

1 Peter 5 To the Elders and the Flock: (v1-11)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever, Amen.

Final Greetings: (v12-14)
12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

#   Encouragement:
More reminders that our encouragement comes from God the Father and our Lord Jesus, by repeating what we have been taught already.
    Here many known points are repeated so as to remind disciples of why we should be encouraged in the first place. God is gracious, You are called to be a part of his eternal glory in Christ. He himself will restore you, make you strong, firm and steadfast.

FOOTNOTES:
[I] Heb 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,

[II] Matt 14:28 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water.."
29 "Come." he said.
Then peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
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Seeking ways to Encourage: 
1 Thess 3 Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians: (v2:17-19 – 3:1-5)
1 So when we (Paul and his group) could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

#   Encouragement goes both ways in that they themselves are encouraged by the renewed contact with the new church, being able to see how they are doing and to intern encourage them by sending the right kind of person who would do it right.
    I think this especially true since we are all a part of the one body and as one part suffers we all suffer and when one part is honored we are all honored. 1 Cor 12:26 [I]

Becoming an encouraging person: (2 verses)
EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW: Barnabas, Paul
Acts 4 Believers Share Their Possessions: (v32-37)
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 7 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

#   People have different effects on those around them. Some seem to naturally lift others up and some seem to do the opposite. The name “Barnabas” was earned by Joseph because of his very positive influence on others. His life was a demonstration of his faith and devotion to the encouragement of others. It would be a pleasure to be around someone like him. This recognition as someone who encourages like Barnabas is something I should aspire to as well.

Acts 27 The Shipwreck: (v27-44) (During the storm)
30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.
NOTE: At the start of the voyage the solders did not listen to Paul’s warning of danger.
33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.

#   After weeks together on the ship, Paul rose to the position where those with him started to looked to him and welcomed his advice and encouraging words, I too need to become someone who will be looked to as worthy of being listened to.

FOOTNOTES:
1 Cor 12 Unity and Diversity in the Body: (v12-31)
26 if one part suffers, every part suffers with it, if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
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The standard of a good encourager:
Titus 1 Appointing Elders Who Love What is Good: (v5-9)
7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

#   If bad company destroys good character, 1 Cor 15:33, than good company should what in my life, people who are trustworthy, a source of encouragement, who will try to built me up in the ways that will help me become the disciple who is successful in imitating our lord Jesus. Rom 15:5 [I] Philip 2:5 [II]
 
Practicals: Encouragement is outward focused: (1 verses)
2 Sam 19 David Mourns: (at the death of his son Absalom) (v18:19-33 – 19:1-8)
2 And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” 3 The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. 4 The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!”

5 Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. 7 Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, (then) not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”

#   This is an example of what was said in the opening. People under great emotional stress don’t make very wise decisions. David became so self focused on the loss of his son that he had no regard for the needs of his men. The result was that he needed Joab to encourage him to encourage his army who were not feeling like the victors that they were, but like an army defeated.

FOOTNOTES:
[I] Rom 15:5  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.

[II] Philip 2:5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

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Practicals: Use Scripture in your Encouragement:
Titus 2 Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel: (1-15)
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. (A very encouraging statement) 12 It teaches (encourages) us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

#   A list of what to encourage from scripture:
Reminder: Salvation has appeared to all people,
                   - Being in Christ, it is possible to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives
                       in this present age
                  - Jesus gave himself to redeem us from all wickedness and to
                       purify us, be eager to do good

Practicals: What is encouraged? (2 verses)
Acts 14 The Return to Antioch in Syria: (v21-28)
21 They (Paul and Barnabas) preached the gospel (an encouraging message) in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

# Encouragement:
As disciples we each are called to:
    Share the encouraging message of the gospel
To remind each other that as a church,
     that we running of a marathon not a sprint, we should become effective at cheering on
     of runners in this life long race.

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2 Cor 9 Generosity Encouraged: (v6-15)
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

#   Once again “Remember”,  Life is distracting, if I take my focus off of Christ then it will likely take encouragement to help me to remember where it should be kept.
Second is to remember that God loves a cheerful giver, ==> I want to please God ==> Therefore, I will strive to be more giving.

Practicals: Ways to Encourage: By serving others
Rom 1 Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome: (v8-17)
11 I (Paul) long to see you (disciples in Rome) so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

# Encouragement: Through expressions of our Faith to each other.

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Practicals: Encouragement should be individualized:
Titus 2 Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel: (v1-15)
1 You (Titus), however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge (encourage) the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
 
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

#   While making sure that the encouragement is individualized, be sure to be a good example. What good would it do to encourage someone to do something they think is impossible for them. If they see an example of someone being successful doing it (verse 4 and 7), then they are more likely to be encouraged to try themselves and therefore succeed.

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Practicals: Seeking those who need Encouragement:
1 Thess 5 Final Instructions: (v12-28)
12 Now we (Paul, Silas and Timothy) ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

# Practical:
    Take the effort, be outward focused. Look for those who are serving through their hard work and lift them up.

2 Cor 13 Final Greetings (v11-14)
11 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.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All God’s people here send their greetings.

14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

# Encouragement: To rejoice, be one who restores, encourages others, is united in mind, lives in peace, which leads to having “the God of love and peace be with us”
This is very much like a “if/than” verse were if the condition is met than a given response will happen.

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PRAYERS: (2 verses)
Ps 64 A Psalm of David:
2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the plots of evildoers.
3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.
4 They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear.
 5 They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, “Who will see it?”

# An example and warning about bad relationships, above. I Cor 15:33 [I]

Prayers: Thanking God:
Ps 10:16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.
 
#    This is what encouragement should look like, Therefore, I should be assured that The Lord is King, the Lord hears our desires and pass this encouraging message on to others, that the Lord defends the fatherless and the oppressed
“Follow my (Paul’s) example, as I follow the example of Christ”. 1 Cor 11:1a>

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: Why Encourage:
Heb 3 Warning Against Unbelief: (v7-19)
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

#   As I said just above, encouragement is something that God considers very important, require patience and careful instruction. It also needs to be given regularly, daily even, to help those who, in this case, need it to take their eyes off of the worlds distractions and bring it back onto Christ.

   There are three verses which contain the phrase “own good” 1 Cor 7:35 (I), 1 Cor 10:24 (II), 1 Cor 10:33 (III)
 
    This is a key element of all positive encouragement. It essentially tries to get me to take my focus off of what I see at the moment is holding back and put in on what I can’t see.
    Like the football team that is loosing badly at the half that is encouraged by the coach to not focus on what they are experiencing but on the possibility of winning, who then comes back and wins the game.
    As disciples this is almost always being reminded of what we already know from scripture, God’s sure promises and assurances, specifically the Gospel message, that Christ has “Overcome the world” for us. John 16:33 [IV] and therefore I should take my focus off the negatives the world is trying to get me to experience through its distractions and putting it back on where it should be, on Christ, The Word, the Holy Spirit that is in us and each other.
    We are called to be in each other's lives for a very good reason. Let us make good use of the opportunities that we have to encourage and build each other up into the likeness of our Lord Jesus.

FOOTNOTES:
[I] 1 Cor 7 Concerning the Unmarried: (v25-40)
35 I am saying this for your own good, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

[II] 1 Cor 10 The Believer's Freedom: (v23-33)
24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

[III] 1 Cor 10 The Believer's Freedom: (v23-33)
32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God - 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

[IV] John 16 The Disciples' Grief will turn to Joy: (v16-33)
33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, But take heart! I have overcome the world."

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ADDED REFERENCES:
Added References:
addicted2success.com/.../6-reasons-why-you-should-encourage-others-to-succe..
https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-encouragement.
html.htmiarticles.extension.org
articles.extension.org/.../encouragement-is-more-effective-than-praise-in-guiding-chil..
www.wikihow.com/Give-Encouragement

EXTRA VERSES: (18 verses)
Philip 1 Life Worthy of the Gospel: (v27-30)
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I (Paul) come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, [or in one spirit] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

#   Vs 27 If the church conducts themselves in a worthy manner, then they will show everyone that they are standing firm in the faith. It also will show those who oppose them that they have failed in their efforts.

Practicals: Thanking others for their encouragement:
2 Cor 7 Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance: (v2-16)
12 So even though I (Paul) wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed (encouraged/built up) by all of you.

# The Encouragement: The devotion shown to Paul is encouraging in that it affirms that his efforts in teaching the Gospel are not wasted. Showing appreciation is encouragement to the person to continue doing the same.

Encouraged by Scripture:
Acts 15 The Council’s Letter to Gentile Believers: (v22-35)
28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.
Farewell.

30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.

#   The encouragement: Came through clear guidance, based on scripture and not from man made wisdom; with the assurance “not to burden you” it also gave affirmation that the church was doing what they were called to by God,

Examples of what is encouraging: 3 verses
Acts 28 Paul’s Arrival at Rome: (v11-16)
15 The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

#   Example of encouragement through actions: These people traveled an unknown distance just to meet Paul. Not unlike when Jesus described the separation of the sheep and goats. The visiting of those in prison (Matt 25:31-46) This is a good example of people going out of the way to be with others to encourage them.
   When my father died a number of disciples traveled from Albany, NY to Cooperstown, NY to be with me and my family, this effort was greatly appreciated.

Acts 16 Paul and Silas in Prison: (v16-40)
40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

# Encouragement: Don’t focus on the bad; going to prison for their faith, focus on the good, we are set free in Christ. There is also the example set by Paul and Silas that would encourage all disciples to imitate their faith and boldness.
    I am sure they both had the attitude that even though they were locked up they were free. The quote from the poem by Richard Lovelace in 1642. “"Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage" fits well here.

Acts 16 Paul and Silas in Prison: (v16-40)
40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
 
<Encouragement: Don’t focus on the bad; going to prison for the faith, focus on the good, we are set free. There is also the encouraging message of the example set by Paul and Silas that would encourage all disciple to imitate their faith and boldness>
 
Acts 20 Through Macedonia and Greece: (v1-6)
1 When the uproar had ended (Riot in Ephesus Acts 19:23-41), Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,

#    Any positive encouragement is appreciated; however, if the encouragement comes from someone like Paul, then that would be even more so>
 
Encouragement in the Face of Great Odds:
2 Chron 32 Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem: (v1-23)
6 He (Hezekiah) appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

# Encouragement changes the focus off of what we see onto what we can’t easily see, the possibility of something better, in this case the sure presence of God fighting for us against an army that is only made of flesh.

Practicals of Encouraging each other:
Judges 20 The Israelites Punish the Benjamites:  in response for the murder of the wife of a Levite: (v1-48)
21 The Benjamites came out of Gibeah and cut down twenty-two thousand Israelites on the battlefield that day. 22 But the Israelites encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.

# Encouragement:
    After a sound defeat with the loss of 22,000 men, all of the soldiers were in need of encouragement. For us today it is more like a football team at the half being down 28 to 0 and they come back and win>

Heb 6 The Certainty of God’s Promise: (v13-20)
16 People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.

#   Encouragement: We can fully trust what is said, because it is “impossible for God to lie”

Particles:
1 Thess 4 Believers Who Have Died: (v13-18)
16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

#   Use scripture to give encouragement to others who need it.

Heb 10 A Call to Persevere in Faith: (v19-39)
22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur (encourage) one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

# Encouragement:
Draw near to God, being fully assured of what faith brings.
That you have a clean conscience.
Be unswerving to the hope we profess
Put some effort into considering how to encourage others to love and good deeds

Encouragement from the right source:
Jer 29 A Letter to the Exiles: (v1-23)
4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, (then) you too will prosper.”8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.

#   God is the ultimate source of all good encouragement. He encourages the people to do specific things, build homes, plant gardens, marry and have sons and daughters, Increase in numbers, Seek peace and prosperity for their place of exile, to be an asset to, not a liability and to pray to the Lord for these things, this implies that if they do pray and do what he says they will be successful.
   However, there are others, false prophets and false diviners who will encourage the people to listen to prophetic lies for their own ends. God is encouraging to benefit his people while the false prophets encourage for themselves.
    It comes down to who is “trustworthy”, there are 30 verses with this word the first one advises the selection of “trustworthy men” who hate dishonest gain Ex 18:21 These men I would be very happy to receive encouragement from.

Practicals: God is our Example to follow:
Ps 10:16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

#   This is what encouragement should look like, Therefore, I should imitate God in this. “Follow my (Paul’s) example, as I follow the example of Christ”. 1 Cor 11:1a>

Acts 20 Through Macedonia and Greece: (v1-6)
1 When the uproar had ended (a riot in Ephesus 19:23-41), Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,

#   Any positive encouragement is appreciated; however, if the encouragement comes from someone like Paul, then that would be even more so.

Philip 1 Thanksgiving and Prayer: (v3-11)
3 I (Paul) thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

# Encouragement:
You are worth my continued prayers.
You are in partnership with the gospel from the beginning.
You are confident of Christ’s assurance of completing the good work he started in you.

1 Thess 3 Timothy’s Encouraging Report: (v6-13)
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

# Encouragement: The effective expression of faith by the disciples to each other is a needed distraction and a guide to refocus off of the distress and onto the expressed faith..

1 Thess 2 Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica: (v1-16)
10 You (the church) are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we (Paul, Silas and Timothy) were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

#   These are the type of people who would give trustworthy encouragement, their focus is not on themselves but on that of the church.

UNUSED VERSES:
Deut 1 Rebellion Against the Lord: (v26-46)
37 Because of you (Moses) the Lord became angry with me also and said, “You shall not enter it, either. 38 But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it. 39 And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it.

Deut 3 Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan: (v31-29)
28 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.”
<Fear of the unknown is an excellent reason to offer encouragement. The Jews see overwhelming challenges, and the task of being leaders>

2 Sam 11 David and Bathsheba: (v1-27)
25 David told the messenger, “Say this to Joab: ‘Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another. Press the attack against the city and destroy it.’ Say this to encourage Joab.”

2 Chron 35
2 He () appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple.

True and False Encouragement: Choose carefully who you listen to:
Ez 13 False Prophets Condemned: (v1-23)
20 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your (false prophets) magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. 21 I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord. 22 Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives,
<In this verse we find both. The false prophets encouragement hinders the wicked from repenting of their sins and turning to God. God shows encouragement by his promise to stop these false prophets.>
    
Is 41 The Helper of Israel: (v1-29)
7 The metalworker encourages the goldsmith, and the one who smooths with the hammer spurs on the one who strikes the anvil. One says of the welding, “It is good.” The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.

What is Encouraged?:
Acts 11 The Church in Antioch: (v19-36)
23 When he (Barnabas) arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
<Encouragement: To continue to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts>

Acts 18 Priscilla, Aquila and Apollos: (v18-28)
27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.
<Encouragement: Encourage in the face of the unknown, the future, and the practical positive action of writing letters of introduction and instruction to welcome him>

1 Cor 14 Good Order in Worship: (v26-40)
31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

2 Cor 7 Paul’s Joy Over the Church’s Repentance: (v2-16)
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

Heb 12 Warning and Encouragement (v14-16)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

Eph 6 Final Greetings: (v21-24)
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you (Ephesian church) also may know how I (Paul) am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
????Encouragement: Paul as an example to follow through learning of his victories, both through overcoming hardships and the growth of the church>

Col 2 Paul’s Labor for the Church: (v1:24-29 – 2:1-5)
1 I (Paul) want you (the church) to know how hard I am contending for you (being an example) and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they (the church) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
<Encouragement: I am working very hard in service for you; continue to be disciplined in standing firm in the faith in Christ.>
 
Col 4 Final Greetings: (v4-18)
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me (Paul). He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant [or slave] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

Whys to Encourage/Example:
Phile 1 Thanksgiving and Prayer:
4 I (Paul) always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me (Paul) great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.


FOOTNOTES: