There is nourishment from being encouraged and held up by others when we are weak. We are nourished from feedback from friends whom we trust and who will be honest with us.
Encouragement
Janette Oke
When a sincere compliment comes to mind, don’t hesitate to give it.
John Knox
When I think of those who have influenced my life the most, I think not of the great but of the good.
George W Childs
Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your kindness sealed until your friends are gone. Speak aprovingly, cheering words while their ears can hear them and be made happier by them.
Ralph Erskine
Let no extreme difficulty discourage you, and make you think, Oh! it is impossible relief can now come; What? Are not all things possible to him that hath all things in his hand? Yea, “All things are possible to him that believeth;” and it is possible for you to do all things through Christ strengthening you, even to overleap the highest walls, to break bows of steel in pieces, and wade through the deepest fords in your way.
George Muller
As to the importance of the children of God opening their hearts to each other, especially when they are getting in a cold state, or are under the power of a certain sin, or are in especial difficulty; I know from my own experience how often the snare of the devil has been broken when under the power of sin; how often the heart has been comforted when nigh to be overwhelmed; how often advice, and great perplexity, has been obtained, – by opening my heart to a brother in whom I had confidence. We are children of the same family, and ought therefore to be helpers one of another.
Charles R. Swindoll
Encouragement is awesome. It (can) actually change the course of another person’s day, week, or life.
Renita Weems
I cannot forget my mother. She is my bridge. When I needed to get across, she steadied herself long enough for me to run across safely.
Ron Hutchcraft
I love that word “encourage” – when you do it, you literally put “courage in” to that person. Someone who may be more battered than you know, closer to going down or giving up than you could imagine. You never know when your encouragement might literally be the difference in that person’s life. When you’re bruised and hurting, it’s that person in your corner who can get you back in the ring for another round.
Bruce Larson
These large birds, [cranes] who fly great distances across continents, have three remarkable qualities. First, they rotate leadership. No one bird stays out in front all the time. Second, they choose leaders who can handle turbulence. And then, all during the time one bird is leading, the rest are honking their affirmation . That’s not a bad model for the church. Certainly we need leaders who can handle turbulence and who are aware that leadership ought to be shared. But most of all, we need a church where we are all honking encouragement.