How can we encourage others to "boast in the Lord"? Key Verse 2 Corinthians 10:17 — “But, ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” Why Boast in the Lord? • His character is flawless: holiness, love, justice, mercy (Jeremiah 9:23-24). • His works are mighty: creation, redemption, daily providence (Psalm 34:2). • Our salvation is entirely His gift, not our achievement (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Boasting in Him unites believers around a common praise (Romans 15:17). Tracing the Theme through Scripture • Jeremiah 9:23-24 — wisdom, strength, riches fade; knowing the LORD endures. • 1 Corinthians 1:31 — Paul repeats the command to keep all glory God-centered. • Galatians 6:14 — “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” • Psalm 34:2 — personal praise that invites the afflicted to rejoice with us. Practical Ways to Encourage Others to Boast in the Lord • Share God-centered testimonies – Emphasize what He did, not what you managed. – Highlight answered prayer, unexpected provision, changed hearts. • Speak Scripture naturally – Weave verses into conversation so praise is anchored in His own words. • Redirect compliments – “I’m grateful the Lord enabled that” rather than taking credit. • Celebrate grace in others – Point out evidences of God’s work you see in a friend’s life. • Sing truth-filled songs together – Music plants God-focused praise deep in memory. • Model gratitude in the ordinary – Thank Him aloud for meals, safe travel, small victories. • Use social platforms wisely – Post narratives that showcase God’s faithfulness more than personal success. Guarding Against Self-Boasting • Remember every gift’s source (James 1:17). • Compare yourself to Christ, not to people (Philippians 3:7-8). • Practice secret acts of service (Matthew 6:1-4). • Invite accountability—trusted friends who lovingly flag pride when it surfaces. Examples that Inspire • Paul — counted all gains loss “because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (Philippians 3:8). • Mary — “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46-47). • The healed man in John 9 — simply testified, “I was blind, and now I see,” spotlighting Jesus. Action Steps for Today 1. Identify one recent blessing and tell someone how the Lord made it possible. 2. Memorize 2 Corinthians 10:17 and recite it when pride knocks. 3. Send a note of encouragement, pointing a friend to a specific way God is working in them. 4. Close the day by listing three ways God’s grace was evident; give Him thanks out loud. Result to Expect As boasting shifts from self to Savior, joy multiplies, unity deepens, and observers are drawn to the greatness of the Lord we celebrate. |
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