Encouragement - What, How, Why & WhoShembull

 

Strengthening

A few days ago we saw Job confronting his "comforters" for their failure to care for him and encourage him. Job claimed that if he were in their place, his mouth would encourage them, and comfort from his lips would bring relief.

Today we're going to test the truth of Job's claim.When Job was initially struck down with disaster and tragedy, his comforters came to sit around him. They start really well... they're just there for him. They sit with him and keep him company through his pain. (In Jewish culture this is called "Sitting Shiva")

But after Job's first outcry and complaint, his friend Eliphaz begins to speak. (Unfortunately the speech is not helpful because it ultimately boils down to saying "You must have done something to deserve this Job, so confess your sins and get your head out of the dust.")

But the start of Eliphaz's speech is perfect confirmation of Job's later claim. Eliphaz starts by acknowledging Job as an encourager. He recognises Job as one who has given wise guidance, who has offered timely support and who has strengthened others.

This is so significant.

The first thing that Job's friends say about him is that he is an Encourager.
And what does encouragement look like?

• His instructions have strengthened feeble hands: when people didn't know what they were doing, Job empowered them. "Let me help you, let me show you." "Do you need a hand?" "How can I assist?" "Try it this way..." "This is what my dad taught me..." 
• His supportive words supported those who stumbled. "Don't worry, we can try again." "We'll get it sorted out..." "You'll bounce back..." "I've got your back..."
• When knees faltered he offered strength. "Lean on me." "I'm with you." "You're not alone."

The key thought in our verses today is "strengthening".
Encouragement is about strengthening others.
- We share our knowledge/experience/wisdom and empower people.
- We offer forgiveness and a second chance to those who stumble.
- We come alongside and lend our strength to those who falter.

May it be that verses below become a description of us...