How do we do a thread on encouragement? (Full Version)

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Liveloved -> How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 10:21:45 AM)

I wish we had a thread where we could encourage each other to walk in the Way of Love and share our struggles, ask for prayer in this area and support and lift each other up. A thread where we could be real with each other and just focus on walking in agape love. CherishedbyGod

In another thread a number of us were wanting the idea above to become a reality. So I am just opening up the 'idea' so that we can formulate 'what' we want to do. I have some thoughts.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi these thoughts:
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to sent Timothy to you shortly so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. Phil 19-21


1. I'd suggest we call the thread KINDRED SPIRITS and use these verses as our opening because they suggest some important principles:
a) We need people to encourage us!
b) We need to give encouragement to others!
c) Genuine concern for others, seeking after THEIR interests rather than our own, defines a kindred spirit.

2. I'd also suggest we limit the length of the posts. I know that when some see a lengthy post, they tend to ignore it or go on and read the shorter ones instead. So if we'd keep our sharing briefer, I think we could facilitate better listening to ALL the posters. So instead of sharing 6 verses of scripture, share one or two or just the reference.

3. I'd also suggest that if someone shares a need that people respond to THAT need before beginning something new. At least one response specifically addressing that need? What do you think?

These are just my thoughts. Others please do share yours and we'll try and come up with the thread that has been the desire of many of us.[:)]



Focusing -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 10:41:48 AM)

I am in agreement ... edifying each other, lifting each other up to the Lord for His blessings is so very important!

Using scripture to do this, rather than simply our own words, is key. It helps us to keep His Word close to our hearts. It also can help us have a better understanding of - or to learn new verses - that are for encouragement. It also helps remind us of scripture we have have forgotten, or for younger believers to learn.

Yay! Great idea for a thread!!

[:)]



Little_1 -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 11:44:46 AM)

I looked for a section on Encouragement as soon as I joined and was a little disappointed there wasn't one. However, this website has soooooooooooooooooooooo much to offer and I love it, love it, love it and praise God for it - an Encouragement Section would be the icing on the cake and I'm right behind you on this Liveloved as we are told in God's Word to encourage one another and all the more as we see the final day approaching:

Hebrews 10:25

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. [sm=angel.gif]



sparkleingsnow -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 5:22:59 PM)

I'm with you all. By the grace of God, we can make it happen. He wants us to encourage each other.

Liveloved, I like the name Kindred Spirits. And so we are, in the body of Christ.
I agree with trying to keep the posts short. On number 3, I agree that we respond to that need, but I wouldn't say that we only have one need going at a time as more than one person may be struggling with something at the same time. We can respond to both.

Love it!



Liveloved -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 6:00:16 PM)

quote:

I wouldn't say that we only have one need going at a time


No, I wouldn't say this either.

What I was trying to express was that we make sure that EACH ONE is responded to, acknowledged, and helped in some way before moving on. Just thinking of not slighting any one or any specific need, KWIM?

Anyway, thanks for responding everyone and let's keep thinking about how we want to proceed. I'm excited![:)]



makarizo -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 6:14:22 PM)

I love this verse:

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.


I do this to my friends, .... it's ALWAYS good for a smile! even if they look at me a little strange [&:]
encouragement without caring is kind of empty.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/15/2008 6:42:42 PM)

quote:

Original: Liveloved

What I was trying to express was that we make sure that EACH ONE is responded to, acknowledged, and helped in some way before moving on. Just thinking of not slighting any one or any specific need, KWIM?


I totally agree.

doer, love the verse.

quote:

Original: doer

encouragement without caring is kind of empty.


Very profound.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

It is through His power that we are able to love. To care.



Liveloved -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 12:21:17 PM)

We don't want to leave anyone out who has ideas regarding the beginning of a specific thread on giving godly encouragement to others as we walk the way of Jesus in love.

Some great suggestions/ideas have emerged so far (thank you) but before we begin, we want to hear from others. So if you have any thoughts/suggestions/ideas that you think would be helpful, please include them!

Blessings![:)]



DenimDiva -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 12:27:25 PM)

Actually, quite often encouraging threads will pop up. I've started one or two in the past and others have started them as well. I enjoy them. It's nice to read nice things about others.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 1:33:45 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved

We don't want to leave anyone out who has ideas regarding the beginning of a specific thread on giving godly encouragement to others as we walk the way of Jesus in love.

Some great suggestions/ideas have emerged so far (thank you) but before we begin, we want to hear from others. So if you have any thoughts/suggestions/ideas that you think would be helpful, please include them!

Blessings![:)]


I'm here! I'm so grateful this thread is starting!

Do y'all think it might be a good idea to post near the beginning of the thread the description of love (charity) to keep us all grounded on what love "looks" like? 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, or 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8, or all of 1 Corinthians 13.

Another thought I had. I thought it might be good to put in the title of the thread something about "encouraging one another to walk the way of love" along with "Kindred Spirits"...I don't know how one could shorten that down in a title, but just to pinpoint down a little more what the thread is all about?

God bless you all[:)]



Liveloved -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 3:12:17 PM)

quote:

I'm here! I'm so grateful this thread is starting!

Do y'all think it might be a good idea to post near the beginning of the thread the description of love (charity) to keep us all grounded on what love "looks" like? 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, or 1 Corinthians 13: 1-8, or all of 1 Corinthians 13.

Another thought I had. I thought it might be good to put in the title of the thread something about "encouraging one another to walk the way of love" along with "Kindred Spirits"...I don't know how one could shorten that down in a title, but just to pinpoint down a little more what the thread is all about?

God bless you all


Thanks, Cherished! I was waitin' for ya! More good suggestions. The question will be how to do it without including so much that it doesn't get read, KWIM? Just like long posts that can be overlooked, I think 'short, sweet, and to the point' is best.

So, let's put the ideas together and see if we can come up with a suitable intro/subject line/description of what the thread is all about and relevant scripture without overdoing it all with too many words.

Lord, help! He will. Blessings back your way![:)]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 4:10:43 PM)

Love One Another - Kindred Spirits Encouragement Thread?

Probably still too long for Livedloved....



sparkleingsnow -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 4:12:14 PM)

quote:

Original: CherishedbyGod

Another thought I had. I thought it might be good to put in the title of the thread something about "encouraging one another to walk the way of love" along with "Kindred Spirits"...I don't know how one could shorten that down in a title, but just to pinpoint down a little more what the thread is all about?


What about "Kindred Spirits - Encouraging One Another"?

Love the idea of opening the thread with what love is!



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 4:15:29 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: sparkleingsnow

quote:

Original: CherishedbyGod

Another thought I had. I thought it might be good to put in the title of the thread something about "encouraging one another to walk the way of love" along with "Kindred Spirits"...I don't know how one could shorten that down in a title, but just to pinpoint down a little more what the thread is all about?


What about "Kindred Spirits - Encouraging One Another"?

Love the idea of opening the thread with what love is!


I like that title...



lightshineon -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 5:17:07 PM)

I think this is terrific, don't we all need it? I know I sure do. I have a gift ( somewhat of encoragement), though, I have not used the gift to build up the body, as I once did. Paul says to stir up the gift inside us we have been given. Even if it does not come natural to someone, the Bible tells us in Hebrews, to encourage one another daily. That is one of the most neglected gifts, or commands we as Christians have failed out. It is so easy to become discouraged, and concentrate on our own woes, that has happened to me. The funny thing I have been told, at church by someone I have encouraged them a great deal, and I do not remember it. Could have not came from the natural man.
I am so excited by this thread, love just never fails does it, praise God.



Focusing -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 5:33:47 PM)

Kindred Spirits - Encouraging One Another


I like it! [:)]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 6:05:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

I think this is terrific, don't we all need it? I know I sure do. I have a gift ( somewhat of encoragement), though, I have not used the gift to build up the body, as I once did. Paul says to stir up the gift inside us we have been given. Even if it does not come natural to someone, the Bible tells us in Hebrews, to encourage one another daily. That is one of the most neglected gifts, or commands we as Christians have failed out. It is so easy to become discouraged, and concentrate on our own woes, that has happened to me. The funny thing I have been told, at church by someone I have encouraged them a great deal, and I do not remember it. Could have not came from the natural man.
I am so excited by this thread, love just never fails does it, praise God.


So happy my dear sister is here[sm=angel.gif]

You are an encourager! You have encouraged me more than anyone else has on these forums! You are soooo precious[:)]



lightshineon -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 6:58:16 PM)

Not hard to encourage someone kind to us all.[:D]



lightshineon -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/16/2008 8:35:47 PM)

Another thought about encouragment. Using Cherished, Walker, 2Monkeys Mom, sparklingsnow, walkinme, and many others, use their kind ways to help others want to act in a way of love, the way they respond to ugliness from others. Encouragment, can be other things also.



Liveloved -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/17/2008 6:32:14 PM)

This is a 'trial' of thread intro. What do you think? I've tried to
keep it simple, yet inclusive---with scripture/comments, etc.
Edit and suggest away.[:)] Thank you. LL

KINDRED SPIRITS - Encourage One Another

quote:

For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. Phil 2: 19-21

Looking for someone who is concerned for your welfare? who is not seeking after their own interests by those of Christ Jesus?

You've come to the right place. This thread is designed to be the place you can share your concern and find godly, loving counsel. What does love look like? We'll remind you with the Apostle Paul's words:

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, it does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. I Cor 13:4-8a


We want the word of Christ to dwell richly in us and in you, so much of our encouragement will include His word. And we want to be found encouraging one another all the more as we see the day of Jesus' return approaching!

Please try and be a good listener and respond to those who have shared a need and keep your words few (when possible) so that others take the time to read what you share! [:)]



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/17/2008 6:46:44 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lightshineon

Another thought about encouragment. Using Cherished, Walker, 2Monkeys Mom, sparklingsnow, walkinme, and many others, use their kind ways to help others want to act in a way of love, the way they respond to ugliness from others. Encouragment, can be other things also.


Oh, how precious!!! That is so kind of you!



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/17/2008 7:05:36 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Liveloved


KINDRED SPIRITS - Encourage One Another

You've come to the right place. This thread is designed to be the place you can share your concern and find godly, loving counsel. What does love look like? We'll remind you with the Apostle Paul's words:



Overall, I think it is wonderful! I really mean that! A concern I have with the above paragraph is, I don't believe according to TOS, we are allowed to give counsel unless asked for? I put a question mark there because I am not certain. Perhaps a moderator could clarify.

Also, as a writer, I had to learn to write "we" instead of "you". That way we identify with others that come to share and they don't think we are putting ourselves above them in spirituality. So... the second sentence I would change to "This thread is designed to be the place we can share our concerns. And then the last sentence I would put something like "Let us look at the apostle Paul's words"...instead of "we'll remind you"

Just a few thoughts[&:]



ta_mosquito -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/17/2008 9:33:20 PM)

quote:

A concern I have with the above paragraph is, I don't believe according to TOS, we are allowed to give counsel unless asked for? I put a question mark there because I am not certain. Perhaps a moderator could clarify.


If the thread OP says something like "you can share your concern and find godly, loving counsel," I think it's implied that the person posting is seeking counsel, so it wouldn't be a TOS to give it to them. However, if someone posts something like "my kids are struggling in school; please pray for them" and someone posts "that's because you don't homeschool," that would be unwelcome counsel even in the thread you're talking about.

I hope this helps clarify. [8|] If not, we can just go with the flow and take care of issues as they arise.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/18/2008 8:55:03 AM)

Liveloved, I love it! [:)]


CherishedbyGod, I agree with useing we in place of you and your reasons for the change.


We could say "What does love look like?" and leave it right there, going on to the scripture. (Any way you do it will be great.) Love the way the scripture is in bold. It really stands out.


ta_mosquito, Thank you for your help. I was hoping for some input from the moderators.


lightshineon, you truely are an encourager. Thank you and God Bless you.



CherishedbyGod -> RE: How do we do a thread on encouragement? (4/18/2008 1:39:08 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito

quote:

A concern I have with the above paragraph is, I don't believe according to TOS, we are allowed to give counsel unless asked for? I put a question mark there because I am not certain. Perhaps a moderator could clarify.


If the thread OP says something like "you can share your concern and find godly, loving counsel," I think it's implied that the person posting is seeking counsel, so it wouldn't be a TOS to give it to them. However, if someone posts something like "my kids are struggling in school; please pray for them" and someone posts "that's because you don't homeschool," that would be unwelcome counsel even in the thread you're talking about.

I hope this helps clarify. [8|] If not, we can just go with the flow and take care of issues as they arise.


Thank you, Tricia!



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