Monday, March 28, 2011

Encourager vs. Destroyer

 "There are always hungry hearts that need spiritual encouragement.....help them with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault". -Robert Hein


I have seen destructive words being carelessly thrown around all over the internet as well as in everyday life. "Cyber bullying" is a popular term these days. It is essentially the act of using our words to intentionally harm someone online. And it isn't necessarily name calling or threats, but is also done by discouraging someone. I myself have been guilty of the latter.

Several weeks ago my friend shared a website link that I re-posted. The website targeted those who are self-proclaimed professional photographers and whom I personally felt were not qualified to hold that title and showcased images that are actually offensive to professional photographers. But I later realized that it would have been better or more helpful to share a photography workshop or instructional website with tips to encourage improvement rather than one that simply says "FAIL!".

My point is this...the world doesn't need more negativity. What it needs more of is love and encouragement. Before we say something, post something or do something, we need to consider our motives, ask ourselves "is this sending a positive or negative message?" and make an effort to be an encourager not a destroyer. We can accomplish so much more if we take a positive approach rather than a negative one.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Encouraging one another especially now that the day of His return draws near.  (Hebrews 10:24-2 )

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