YOU CAN ENCOURAGE OR DISCOURAGE OTHERS

"We Can Encourage or Discourage Creativity in Others"

"Bear ye (carry; lift up; take upon yourself what is somebody else's; encourage) one another's burdens (loads; responsibilities), and so fulfil (fill to the brim; supply) the law (producing that which is pleasing to God) of Christ (the Anointed One)". Galatians 6:2 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

WHEN WE OFFER "OUR SMILE OF APPROVAL" ON THE EFFORTS OF OTHERS, AND IT HELPS BRING THEIR GIFTINGS INTO FRUITION, WE WILL SHARE THE JOY OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

It is pleasing to the Lord, and it is "in the perfect will of God" that we encourage the creativity which is buried inside others to be discovered and activated. Conversely, it displeases the Lord when we discourage someone else's development and productivity by acting as though what they have to offer is inferior and of no value. When we offer "our smile of approval" on the efforts of others, and it helps bring their giftings into fruition, we will share the joy of their accomplishments. If, on the other hand, we are critical of their dreams, and belittle them, we will be held accountable for participating in the destruction of something which could have been beautiful and productive.

IT IS NOT JUST FOCUSING ON NEGATIVE STRUGGLES, BUT IT CAN ALSO INCLUDE HELPING OTHERS OVERCOME THEIR FEARS AND FRUSTRATIONS OF BECOMING EVERYTHING THEY CAN AND COULD BE

When the Scripture talks about bearing one another's burdens, it is not just focusing on negative struggles, but it can also include helping others overcome their fears and frustrations of becoming everything they can and could be. When a friend has a creative idea, just "a look of approval or disapproval" can speak volumes. To those who are still weak in their faith, it can convey the all important message of either, "that has possibilities", or "how dumb".

DOES THAT SOUND TOO HARSH? NO, IT IS JUST THE TRUTH

Have you ever met negative people that no matter what you say, they verbally disagree with you. And if they have nothing negative to say, they withhold their praise, and if they are having a good day, their commendation is cool, and their all out enthusiasm is non-existent. Being "possessed by a critical spirit", they wait to pounce on anyone who in their eyes makes a mistake. Acting in such a manner is a serious offense against God, and that person will be held accountable on the day of judgment. Does that sound too harsh? No, it is just the truth. By selfishly refusing to help another person to achieve success and feel good about himself, they are guilty of being responsible for part of another's failure.

IT IS AN ANOINTED WORK. THIS IS WHAT JESUS WOULD DO

When we encourage others in their endeavors, and give them "an emotional boost", we are engaged in "the blessed assignment" of fulfilling the law of the Anointed One. It is an anointed work. Instead of feeling worthless and inferior ourselves--but hiding it by constantly putting others down, and not acknowledging their potential--we come into "partnership" with them, by pointing them in the right direction. This is what Jesus would do. We are carrying on His work in the Earth. This is the ministry of encouragement.

IT IS NOT FOR THEM ALONE, BUT FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

Of course, in "the growth process" there will come a time when all of us must learn to stand on our own two feet. But, during the formative time of development, we play an integral part of imparting security to those who are struggling to find the right path for themselves. When they have breakthroughs of success and make achievements for themselves, it is not for them alone, but for the glory of God. Bearing burdens--hurtful ones, as well as potentially good ones--is performing the ministry of Christ.

YES, IT IS "A BURDEN TO CARRY" WHEN ONE FEELS DIFFERENT FROM EVERYONE ELSE. WE ARE CALLED TO BE SUPPORTIVE, TO HELP BRING OUT THE HIDDEN TALENTS AND ABILITIES OF OTHERS

How can a burden be a good thing? A genius is unlike most people, and often feels isolated and alone. An artist has ideas locked up inside his spirit, but has never seen the work of another artist which quite compares with what he feels he can create. Yes, it is "a burden to carry", when one feels different from everyone else. We are called to be supportive, to help bring out the hidden talents and abilities of others. Do you want to please the Lord? Involve yourself in the supportive ministry of encouragement. At times it may be a thankless task, but in the end it will pay great dividends of fulfillment.