When you think of Encouragement, what comes to mind? Do you picture a coach motivating his team to win? Or maybe a parent urging a child to do her best in school? Are you an Encourager? Do you need one? This week, let’s take some time to discuss what it might look like for you to meet your spouse’s need for Encouragement.
In this email, you’ll find the “Need of the Week”, which highlights one of the Top Ten Relational Needs.
Our “LOVE(Speak)” section contains five questions crafted to enhance communication as a couple. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our “Q4K” section, offering questions to use as you talk about these relational tools with your kids!
We have also included some “Getting Started” suggestions if you need a little direction as you begin.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or suggestions for us!
The TBI Ministries Team
Getting Started
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.
Need of the Week Encouragement Urging others to persist and persevere in their efforts to attain their goals; stimulating others toward love and good deeds.
I Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24
LOVE(Speak)
1. What persons (living or dead) do you most admire or wish you could be and why? (2 or 3 will do)
2. Please write a brief description of something you hope will happen or something you hope to do in the future. (Goal, wish, vision, hope)
3. Describe a goal or wish or vision your spouse has about his/her life and future. Asking him/her to describe it may provide insight into your spouse’s world.
4. Is there anything you can do to help your spouse achieve that goal or see that dream come true?
5. What could your spouse do to help you fulfill your dream or help you determine what some of your dreams are?
Would you read Ephesians 3:20-21 several times and ask God whether or not you have dreamed big enough or if it is time for you to be still and listen to God’s call to dream again? Listen to God’s encouragement.
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who by his power within us is able to do far more than we ever dare to ask or imagine-to him be glory in the Church through Jesus Christ for ever and ever, amen!
Q4K: Your or Others’
1. Where do you think your Child of Focus (your child or another child in your life) needs some encouragement? Who besides you serves as an encourager to your Child of Focus?
2. Discuss with another adult or a child, who has the understanding, the differences between “encouraging a child in healthy ways” and “pushing a child too hard”. Discuss examples of each.