How can we encourage others to heed God's voice in their lives? God’s Heart for Listening: Psalm 81:13 “If only My people would listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways!” (Psalm 81:13) Why Encouraging Others Matters • God longs for relationship, not mere compliance. • Listening protects from needless pain (Psalm 81:14–16). • Obedient hearts display His character to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). Model the Posture Yourself • Share fresh, concrete stories of how Scripture directed a choice. • Admit past moments when ignoring God’s voice brought regret. • Keep a teachable spirit—people imitate authenticity more than perfection. Anchor Them in the Word • Direct conversations back to verses, not opinions. – John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…” • Suggest a manageable reading plan (e.g., one Gospel chapter daily). • Encourage journaling insights and repeated verses—pattern trains the ear. Highlight the Spirit’s Quiet Promptings • Remind them the same Spirit who inspired Scripture indwells believers (Romans 8:9). • Teach them to test impressions against the Bible’s clear teaching (1 John 4:1). • Celebrate moments when the Spirit guides in everyday decisions—parking patience, a sudden urge to call someone, etc. Cultivate Rhythms of Stillness • Suggest practical “tech fasts” to clear mental clutter. • Recommend starting mornings with five minutes of silence before reading. • Point to Isaiah 30:21—God speaks in the quiet: “This is the way; walk in it.” Build Loving Accountability • Meet regularly for Scripture discussion—iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). • Give permission to ask, “Have you acted on what God showed you this week?” • Use small groups to share victories and setbacks without condemnation. Use Encouraging Words Wisely • Speak truth seasoned with grace (Ephesians 4:15). • Replace phrases like “You never listen” with “I see how God is drawing you closer; how can I support you?” • Affirm even small steps of obedience—positive reinforcement strengthens resolve. Remind Them of the Blessings Promised • Peace: “You will keep in perfect peace… because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). • Guidance: “Trust in the LORD… He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Intimacy: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock… I will come in and dine with him” (Revelation 3:20). Pray Over Them—And With Them • Ask God to soften hearts (Hebrews 3:15). • Invite them to voice their own desire to hear; it builds ownership. • Follow up by texting short prayers or verses during the week. Celebrate Obedience Publicly, Not Pridefully • Mark milestones—a baptism, a reconciled relationship—with testimonies. • Give God the credit so others see His faithfulness, not human achievement. • Let shared stories ignite fresh hunger in those still hesitant. When we consistently live, speak, and celebrate these truths, we become living echoes of Psalm 81:13, inviting others to experience the joy of heeding God’s voice. |
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