tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4307360448382903712.post4477518671269907640..comments2023-12-21T00:50:08.573+11:00Comments on "No reading at the breakfast table": What real encouragement ISN'TJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17557633180012575687noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4307360448382903712.post-66773887856365546392012-08-08T02:47:26.140+10:002012-08-08T02:47:26.140+10:00Hi Jenny, since you asked on facebook for thoughts...Hi Jenny, since you asked on facebook for thoughts, here's my two cents. <br /><br />I've noticed, when translating some of the epistles, that English versions translate two different ideas as "encourage". One is the idea of building up or giving strength to people, the other is comforting someone. I assume you're talking about the former when you talk about encouragement?<br /><br />Some of the most powerful encouragement I have seen is when someone is given an opportunity to do something and their contribution to the community is recognised implicitly. The encouragement you mentioned "you're the best" etc. Is verbal, but if it's not backed up with action it becomes meaningless. <br /><br />You're totally right about God needing to be in the picture when we think about our own value and worth. But it's not as simple to say "God loves you so you're valuable" (which is true, but no where near the whole picture) but it's also true that God created us with abilities and gifts, and we have a commnunity of people around us who need us to use our abilities among them. Real encouragement comes from seeing God work through us to bless others.<br /><br />I wonder if we in Australian society have issues with self worth, because with our increasing wealth, we are becoming increasingly self-reliant and need others less and less. That's something I've been thinking about here in India, and seeing how their community functions, and really values every member because the role they play is not only valuable, but essential.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14703064533223990944noreply@blogger.com