Some people bring out the worst in us. If they are insecure, we can feel insecure. If they expect perfection, we can feel disapproval. If they are demanding, we can feel guilty, even manipulated. But there are those who have the ability to bring out the best in us. If we are tired they give us energy. If we are discouraged they affirm who we are in Christ. If we forget the awe of God they remind us of His awesomeness. Yes, those who elevate our faith help us rise above our fears and bring out our best. Here are four ways we can help bring out the best in someone else:
Strengthen Strengths
When we strengthen others we strengthen ourselves. As disciples we are the body of Christ. So, to support one part of the body brings health to the whole body. For example, a person gifted in exhortation needs encouragement. A merciful person desires compassion. We strengthen another when we treat them how they prefer to be treated. Strengthen their strengths with words and deeds that encourage.
Forgive Weaknesses
People regularly disappoint. They show up late to a meeting. They back out of a commitment. They are dishonest. They are not thorough. They overcommit. They are ungrateful. They forget. They are insensitive. So, how will we respond to another’s weaknesses? Forgiveness doesn’t mean we enable bad behavior. We can still kindly discuss character flaws. Love lets go of resentment and offers another chance. We forgive. We allow opportunities to rebuild trust as that is what forgiveness is all about.
Serve Selflessly
Service shows we care. When we cook a meal, clear the table or clean the car we free another to engage in something they enjoy. A servant spirit does not wait to be told what to do, instead we look for opportunities to meet a need. We give a gift. We network colleagues. We mow a neighbor’s lawn. We sit with a sick friend. Indeed, the person served feels valued, appreciated, and loved. Service is contagious, as the one being served desires to pass on the blessing to others.
Pray for The Heart
When a person knows we pray for them, they know we love them from the heart. We pray for their heart to be joyful in the hope they see in Jesus. We pray for their heart to be guarded by the peace of God found in Christ. We pray for their heart to understand and experience the riches of God’s grace, mercy, and love. We pray for their heart to be led by the Holy Spirit. Heartfelt prayer for other hearts brings out their best.
Our prayer: Lord help me to be an encourager by admonishing others in their strengths, forgiving others for their weaknesses as you have done for me so many times, give me a heart and eye to serve others and my community and give me a heart to pray for others continually amen.
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Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org
www.fbcc-va.org
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