“There are some people whose tongues are tuned to praise, and others whose tongues are turned to criticize. There are some people whose eyes are focused to find faults, and others whose eyes are focused to find discover virtues…we will always get far more out of people by praising them than by criticizing them.” (The Letter to the Romans, Barclay, 15)

1. We are encouraged because we have been saved.

2. We encourage by sharing our spiritual gift.

3. We encourage by praying for others.

4. We encourage others by our presence.

5. We encourage others by our faith in God.

Sermon Questions

1. How does knowing of salvation encourage you today?

2. What is one of your spiritual gifts? How have you used this to encourage someone else?

3. Describe someone else who used their spiritual gift to encourage you.

4. Describe a time when someone encouraged you through prayer.

5. Describe a time when someone's presence discouraged you. Describe a time when someone's presence encouraged you.

6. Describe a time when someone else's faith spurred/urged/encouraged you onward.