Encouragement
Urging others to persist and persevere in their efforts to attain their goals; stimulating others toward love and good deeds.
I Thes. 5:11, Heb. 10:24
Jesus knows how much we need encouragement. Heb. 10:24
What encourages you? Are there certain things others say or do that make you feel empowered? Does your spouse know what those things are? Do you know how and take time to encourage? Let’s take a few minutes this week to think about what encourages you and your significant other.
Be intentional about setting aside a few minutes this week or planning a date night to discuss Encouragement together.
Husband, would you lead this time by reviewing the statements to be completed or questions being asked so that you know how to make the most of your time? When you are ready, please initiate a “LOVE (Speak)” time with your wife.
LOVE (Speak) —
1. Think about what your spouse’s dream vacation would be. Do the best you can to list details even if you don’t know for sure. After each of you has something in mind, tell each other what you think his/her dream vacation would be. After sharing your guesses, actually tell what your dream vacation is. How closely did you guess your spouse’s dream vacation?
2. What goals have you had in life (spoken or unspoken), that you truly hoped and dreamed might happen one day? Did you share that dream with anyone? Did anyone know and encourage your dream? Did anyone discourage you, even unknowingly?
3. In what areas have you dreamed or set goals? Many people limit their dreams to physical stuff: appearance, possessions, job, salary, retirement, etc. Have you dreamed about relationships with God and others? What goals or dreams might you verbalize about marriage, parenting, love, ministry, serving the less fortunate, and depth of relationships? What would you like to see God do in your life in some of these areas in the next year, 5 years, 10 years?
4. What is your understanding of Ephesians 3:20-21, considering that God wants to “do even more than you had dared to imagine”? Do you think that means He always gives us more money or a bigger house than we imagine? What could it mean as it is applies to relationships, ministry, power over harmful habits, etc.?
5. What does Ephesians 3:20-21 say about your dreams? What does it say about God’s attitude toward you? Should you dream? How does your relationship with God give you the freedom to dream big?
Ephesians 3: 20-21 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”
What About the Kids?
You can use these questions/suggestions with your own children or another Child of Focus (if you don’t have children of your own). Remember that your children are never too old to have relational needs met.
1. In what ways could you discover the dreams of your children and encourage them without pushing too hard or trying to make them live out dreams you have for them? This topic is a great one for parents whose children cannot yet verbalize their own dreams – but whose behavior, likes, and dislikes may reveal a bent or a direction. What do you notice about the personality, curiosity, and play-pursuits of your children?
2. If you had people who knew you well enough to appropriately encourage you toward a life passion or dream, remember out loud who they were and how their encouragement came along to change the course of your life. Now consider the opposite and describe those who discouraged you. How can you keep from making the same mistakes of lack of involvement or inappropriate levels of involvement in the life of your Child of Focus”? (See Question 2 in the above set of questions for couples.)