Cultivating an Atmosphere of Encouragement

1 Samuel 30:6 says, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” 
 
One of the greatest needs we have in our homes, churches, businesses and government is to the ability to cultivate an atmosphere of encouragement. It is easy to be accustomed to negativity, fear, and bitterness when we refuse to see the good in others and encourage each other to become the best we can be fore the glory of the LORD! I believe there are five things we can do in order to accomplish this:
  1. Before you can encourage others, you must encourage yourself. You must refuse to quit and give up, but rather set the example to press through any adversity and obstacle to overcome! David encouraged himself in the Lord after the Amalekites has invaded the south. God’s response was to “pursue, overtake and recover all” (1 Samuel 30:8).
  2. Only constructive criticism is acceptable. Being overly critical while overlooking the positives negatively charges the atmosphere. This is seen through Christ’s message to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Every church He commended for something except for the church of Laodicea, and only the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia did Christ commend and not rebuke. However, with every church, if they repented wherever necessary or continued to persevere in what was right, they would receive a reward for overcoming! Jesus showed us the importance criticism if it edifies and grows each other in our faith!
  3. Never be “favorable” to some in your compliments. If you do so, you can create a spirit of competition that initiates jealousy. This was seen through Jacob’s relationship with Joseph, who was thrown in the bottom of a pit. He was given a coat of many colors as his father celebrated his creativity and living the life of a dreamer, but not celebrating the good in all of his sons, it created a rift that was shown through hardship and much betrayal! This could have been avoided had Jacob did his best to sow his love, kindness and favor to each and every one of his sons in the same capacity! 
  4. Set the example to inspire others. Paul tells Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 to be the example because while he was a young pastor, his knowledge and gift alone were not able to prove himself to elders in the faith. He had to set the example as a passionate leader in his character and integrity. Actions will always speak louder than words!
  5. See people from God’s perspective. In choosing David to be King, Samuel looked at the appearance but God looked at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
By doing these things, I believe we cultivate an atmosphere of encouragement, and if we continue to do them, we will sustain it! So, instead of being a critic or demeaning others, be an encourager!