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Encouraging Hands Encouraging Hearts - How to Be a Good Friend Study Guide (12 Week Study)

Week One:

1. Read First Thessalonians 5:11 aloud, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (NIV)

According to this scripture, should we encourage other people? Why do you think it is important to encourage others?

2. The author says, "Too many women today are trying to fly with the broken ____________ of discouragement." According to the book, women today need more encouragement than ever. Why? What are the most prominent causes of discouragement?

3. Linda shares a story about Jane, who was a woman of encouragement. How did the encouragement she gave to others bless her when her husband became ill? Why do you think encouragement blesses both the recipient and the one who gives it?

4. An old folk proverb states, "If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people."

What harvest might you expect if you invest your life in the lives of others? Name some ways you can invest in others.

5. Is encouragement always easy to give? Why or why not?

6. What do you think are the major stumbling blocks of encouraging others?

7. How do you feel when you have encouraged someone? Why?

8. What was it about Marcia’s response on the telephone that encouraged Linda? Why did Linda want sympathy instead of encouragement? Why was Marcia’s encouragement better than sympathy?

9. The New Expanded Webster’s Dictionary defines encouragement as, "To give courage to; to stimulate; to embolden; to countenance." How do you feel you need courage, energy, boldness, or approval?

10. Stop and pray for someone who has shared an area of need with you. If you wish, assign partners, to exchange phone numbers for follow-up prayers during the week.

 

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© 1999 Linda Evans Shepherd

 

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Linda Evans Shepherd Author and Speaker
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