Question for Christians on encouraging one another here in this forum?

Question

Please, I'd like to see this question answered by those who are followers of Jesus Christ.

I was reading Ephesians 1 last night and a passage struck me as applicable to the Christians here in the Religion and Spirituality forum. We often come in here to the bickering and often get sucked into the negativity and nastiness here, and we don't exemplify Christ-like behavior in the process.

The passage is too long to cut and paste, so here is the link to Ephesians 1:15-19, courtesy of Bible Gateway, New International Version:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%201:15-19;&version=31;

Take a look at it, and tell me what you think? In the context of the Religion and Spirituality forum, how can we encourage one another and show the love which God has given us for one another?

Answer 1

I was actually thinking about this text today from Phillipians and it fits in perfectly with your question. We should be encouraging one another in the Lord,building each other up and honoring one another in the many membered body of the Church of Jesus Christ...I,personally have taken liberty in the past to honor those that were outside of the church as well,both on this forum as well as outside of R&S... I am not speaking of flattery,or ingenuine coy and sweet remarks..but of the genuinely,sincere uplifting of another human being...seeing good things in others and validating their good qualities and character.

Give Honor
John 5; Matthew 12:1-21; Mark 2:23-3:12; Luke 6:1-11
"Do nothing from selfishness nor from empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you consider other people as more important than yourself" (Philippians 2:3).

Answer 2

I think that passage applies to what we should be encouraging other Christian's to be thinking about when we answer questions that non believers have posted. This was a very good scripture and I think it fits nice and tight. Verse 18 is the heart of the matter. Good Searching, Searcher you deserve a star for that And God Bless!

(edit)

I am a fellow Christian and I am not handing out thumbs down's to people who speak the words of Christ. So please do not generalize me with others who are negative. I also pray for all people on this forum. Thanks!

Answer 3

Personally, if I can't give a kind answer to a question, because I find the question too insulting or stupid, I usually DON'T answer the question. Often, before answering a question I will pray and ask God for wisdom to know how to answer.
As this passage suggests, prayer is a very important part to encourage one another. Only as we pray for one another, will we also be able to love the other person and then when we love, we will have the desire to encourage the person concerned.

Answer 4

According to the King James Version (link below), this is the foretelling of the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth in the last days prior to His 2nd coming. Just another reason that I am of the faith I am and I do NOT use all those more recent "translations" of the Bible.

Answer 5

Searcher, you are always such a sweetheart on here - I try to be, sometimes I suppose I miss the mark. I do try to encourage those who are asking or answering questions in a way that does show God's love and neverending grace and mercy - but I do not encourage those who use Y!Answers as a place to use the Bible and its contents as a weapon or to push their agenda really hard.

This was a very thoughtful question. I will give you a star!

I wonder if that's some of our fellow Christians handing out all the thumbs down. I will pray for us all, regardless.

Answer 6

((((Searcher))))) I agree with Bobby. It needs to be a lifestyle not just an R&S thing. There is a lot of bickering from a lot of people who say they are Christians but obviously aren't true disciples of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul.. told us not to say ANYTHING that is not a benefit to those who listen.
Blessings,

Answer 7

on the instant, I spoke to approximately 30 youthful females human beings this morning, who're project a Chrisitan programme at teen project. I spoke to them from Proverbs 4 v 23 notably else, shelter your coronary heart, for that's the wellspring of existence. I certainly have many opportunities to inspire them for my section too!

Answer 8

I think we all need to take a breather sometimes just to reflect on these words. It never ceases to amaze me the number of Christians who don't even know the basic tenets of our faith.... or they claim to know it, and yet contradict themselves with irrelevent scripture.
I always try to give a positive word and encouragement no matter whom I am answering.
May I encourage Christians who KNOW these words in their heart to truly call to task those of our brothers and sisters who ARE misusing the word of God? And pray for them to know the true path that God would have them tread when dealing with unbelievers.

thank you for this post
May our Lord richly bless you in your walk and relationship with Him
:)

Answer 9

1. Display a humble heart.
2. Stop trying to answer question from those that mock Christianity.
3. Pray that your answers are truthful BEFORE you send them.

GOD bless

Answer 10

I agree with Exodus.