Comments on: Trying not to be Hardened http://www.fracturedsaints.com/2010/03/trying-not-to-be-hardened/ A Christian Blog for the Broken Ones Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:12:44 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: cxlink http://www.fracturedsaints.com/2010/03/trying-not-to-be-hardened/#comment-471 cxlink Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:20:51 +0000 http://www.fracturedsaints.com/?p=1302#comment-471 Encourage –verb (used with object),-aged, -ag·ing. 1.to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running. 2.to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students. 3.to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime. I don't really see it as a follow up to friendship necessarily (although it is a must once the relationship is established). I see it in the absence of relationship as a means to relationship, especially if someone goes to church with you. You can call someone up and be like hey man (woman or child) after the sermon Sunday God has laid it on my heart that I should encourage you. Since I don't really know you all that well and I don't just want to be some random guy yelling "that a boy" from the side line, how can I encourage you and in what areas of your like do you need encouragement right now. Just in case you didn't notice those are hardly yes or no questions. And if they say I don't know and try to brush you off easily. Just say "Thats ok I know its a loaded question. I'll call back (drop by or whatever) tomorrow and we can talk about it some more." Then follow up. This lets them know you are committed to this and they aren't just wasting their time with a one time thing. Kinda felt like a soap box a little on my end sorry. It's just my take but I hope it's helpful. Encourage
–verb (used with object),-aged, -ag·ing.
1.to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.
2.to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.
3.to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.

I don’t really see it as a follow up to friendship necessarily (although it is a must once the relationship is established). I see it in the absence of relationship as a means to relationship, especially if someone goes to church with you. You can call someone up and be like hey man (woman or child) after the sermon Sunday God has laid it on my heart that I should encourage you. Since I don’t really know you all that well and I don’t just want to be some random guy yelling “that a boy” from the side line, how can I encourage you and in what areas of your like do you need encouragement right now.

Just in case you didn’t notice those are hardly yes or no questions. And if they say I don’t know and try to brush you off easily. Just say “Thats ok I know its a loaded question. I’ll call back (drop by or whatever) tomorrow and we can talk about it some more.” Then follow up. This lets them know you are committed to this and they aren’t just wasting their time with a one time thing.

Kinda felt like a soap box a little on my end sorry. It’s just my take but I hope it’s helpful.

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