We are a self-centered society that typically considers the well being of our self before others. What would happen if we place others before our own self-interest? Certainly such word phrases as "please and thank you" should be heard often. Is that the only thing required to change our society...certainly not...but it is a good start.
Show genuine interest - I believe this is by far the most effective way of encouraging others, but it has to be genuine. To be genuine means...you place their self-interest over your own; please keep in mind...you expect nothing in return.
By acknowledging what’s important to them first, your allow them to talk about their needs, while you have a chance to formulate a response that offers them a positive solution. Don't talk when you can be thinking and certainly don't talk if you haven't thought though a concept.
Say “well done” and “thank you” is a great start to help people when they feel there is no one really out here who cares. Reciprocate the favour - if someone does something nice for you, a great way to show your appreciation is simply to reciprocate the favour.
Respond with something unexpected - another effective way to encourage others is to respond with something totally unexpected. Out of the blue. That’s when the maximum impact is delivered. Such acts can reach them at an emotional level and our brains are hard wired to respond to emotional things.
Ask for advice or confide in them - This is like flattery. Haven’t you felt like you were on top of the world when your peers asked you for advice or confided in you about something personal or important to them? Did’t that make you want to help and do everything you can to ensure their faith in you is well founded?
Waiting for someone to ask you for advise - be proactive by offering to lend a hand. If that person sees that you are willing to commit your own time and energy in their interests, they will be more committed to seeing it through and less likely to give up themselves.
It is time for a change..."We serve God by serving others. The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you've arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept."
Rick Warren
This is a 'fallen', broken world that isn't always what God wants it to be. Humans get damaged. We do hateful things, we distrust, we lie, we trick ourselves and each other, and we seek after our own interest. We don't grow, because we grow up twisted without God's direction; hence the need to reconcile. This is true within each person, between people, in marriages and families, at the level of small groups, of towns, of peoples and nations. It is also true of our relationship with God, but at least God did something about that, through Jesus. Through Jesus we also can find what's most needed to heal, but that takes some of our own efforts to do so. Change is an action word...it is time to get going and do something; something that will last the test of time.
