Encouraging One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15
Materials You Will Need: A special ³award² object from around your home, such as an old trophy or ribbon.
Why is it that we are often cruelest to the ones we love the most? Most of us have said something to a loved one we dearly wish we could take back. Most of us can also remember something that was said to us that hurt us deeply. We should NEVER underestimate the harm unkind words can inflict on those we love.
On the other hand, there is almost no limit to the positive impact encouraging words can make. Sharing kind words with the ones we love even the ones we think they know can change their whole day. In fact, it can actually impact their whole life!
What is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to you? How did you respond to it?
When we say a kind word to someone, itıs like giving that person a gift. That gift can be just the thing to get him or her through a difficult situation. It might be an encouragement to go forward with a specific opportunity. It may also alleviate an unkind word spoken in his or her past.
Never underestimate the power of the gift of encouragement.
Activity Have your family sit in a circle. Take the special ³award² object, and have each person hand the award to the person on his or her right. As they are handing off the award, he or she should lift up that person by sharing something special about him or her. They should do so by completing this sentence, ³I would like to honor you because _______________.² For example, you may start and honor your child by handing the award and saying, ³I would like to honor you for your wonderful heart and desire to help others.² The award should go all the way around the circle. After that, you can switch places in the circle, or go backwards with the award!
Application:
Who can you encourage today?
Ask God to use your words to encourage others.