Friday; January 18

          If you had the chance to sit down with a group of godly believers what would you say to them?  If you are like me you might be tempted to try to do some teaching – explaining to them what they need to do to be better.  While that might be one good use of the time together, could it be even better to just offer a word of encouragement to them?  Rather than telling them what is wrong in their lives, what would happen if we made the effort to explain what is right in their world? 
          I think it would go without saying that Children of Israel in the Old Testament could have used some words of direction, but, at one point when their religious leaders were given instructions about how to approach the benedictions they offered they were told, “Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them:  ‘The Lord  bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.’  So they shall invoke My name on the sons of Israel, and I then will bless them.” (Numbers 6:23-27).  Sure, there were times when they needed to be reminded of their obligations, but there would be many times they needed to be reminded of their special relationship with their God.  Like them, we all need someone to explain how we can be better, but I think there are times when encouragement and blessings will go further than a steady diet of criticism.
          The next time we need to counsel someone, let’s ask ourselves what they really need – instruction or encouragement.  The correct answer won’t be found in what will make us feel better, but in what will make them be better.
Think About It!

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