The Encouraging Conversation

John

Conversations / John 4:23–26

Introduction

And having healthy and God centered relationships are part of the unity that Jesus talked about in the way that the church operates.

Proverbs 16:24 ESV

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

When was the last time you added courage to each other?

Romans 12:10 ESV

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

The church is the witness to the fact that God is active in our lives and that God

has spoken in a way that offers life.

That is the witness of the church.

And it is from that position that we communicate to each other.

1God is active

2God is speaking.

From Life Together

Christian community means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ. There is no Christian community that is more than this, and none that is less than this. Whether it be a brief, single encounter or the daily community of many years, Christian community is solely this. We belong to one another only through and in Jesus Christ. What does that mean? It means, first, that a Christian needs others for the sake of Jesus Christ. It means, second, that a Christian comes to others only through Jesus Christ. It means, third, that from eternity we have been chosen in Jesus Christ, accepted in time, and united for eternity.”

Encouragement in the church is meeting people at the intersection of their lives and the life of Christ

Gathering

Recognizing

Speaking life

Gathering to recognize

Hebrews 10:24–25 ESV

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

This is telling people, I am with you

Recognize to speak life

Colossians 3:16 ESV

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Recognizing someone, seeing them for who they are, looking them in the eyes and recognizing them as someone who is someone for is fundamental to every conversation we have. In recognizing someone who is distinctly loved by God through the person of is our way to understanding encouragement.

This is telling people, I see you

Again from Bonhoeffer

Help must come from the outside; and it has come and comes daily and anew in the Word of Jesus Christ, bringing us redemption, righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. But God put this Word into the mouth of human beings so that it may be passed on to others. When people are deeply affected by the Word, they tell it to other people. God has willed that we should seek and find God’s living Word in the testimony of other Christians, in the mouths of human beings. Therefore, Christians need other Christians who speak God’s Word to them. They need them again and again when they become uncertain and disheartened because, living by their own resources, they cannot help themselves without cheating themselves out of the truth. They need other Christians as bearers and proclaimers of the divine word of salvation. They need them solely for the sake of Jesus Christ.”

Speak life specifically to one another.

Again from Life Together

Philippians 2:1–4 ESV

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.