Life Apps (6) – The Encouragement App

Last week I made an announcement about possibly running into a hiccup in our building project. I want to thank you for praying, for asking how you can help. I want to let you know that last week I had the opportunity to meet with the person who was most knowledgeable about the building moratorium. The conversation was too complicated to talk about here, but in short, she gave us a very favorable response. All we need to do now is get a new updated appraisal and our project would be able to move forward. That was a huge relief for me, and I just feel like it’s a reminder from God that we must always pray and rely solely on Him. Yes, we do need to work hard, but in the end, it’s God who makes everything possible.

Today we are going to conclude our series on Life Apps and we are going to talk about encouragement. Did you know that in a typical relationship, for every one compliment or encouraging comment, there are six complaints or criticisms. Six to one! Isn’t that alarming? That explains why so many work environments are negative and dysfunctional. That explains why so many marriages are in trouble. That explains why so many family relationships are falling apart. Can a simple application of encouragement significantly improve the quality of our relationships?

Moving Forward

As you think about your daily conversations with people, what’s your ratio of criticism to encouragement? Does your criticism tend to outweigh your encouragement? It doesn’t have to be that way. We can change the world in which we live by replenishing people. It’s important for them. It’s important for you.

Discussion Questions

1. When was the last time you said something encouraging to a co-worker?  Your spouse?  Your family? When was the last time someone said something encouraging to you? What was said?

2. Read Proverbs 11:25. Is the principle in this verse always true?

3. We talked about three circles of influence: inner circle; influence circle; life circle. In what areas of life do you need to be more encouraging? With whom do you need to express more encouragement?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that you are improving on the ratio of encouragement to criticism?

5. How have you seen the benefits of “replenishing others” be a source of replenishment for you?