In what ways can you encourage others to "boast in the LORD"? Key Verse “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Corinthians 1:31) Why Boast in the LORD? • Boasting in Him keeps “no flesh” from glorying in His presence (1 Corinthians 1:29). • He is the only Source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). • “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord” is rooted in Jeremiah 9:23-24, where the LORD delights in being known as the God of “kindness, justice, and righteousness.” • “My soul will boast in the LORD; let the oppressed hear and rejoice.” (Psalm 34:2) – our boasting lifts weary hearts. • All good gifts come “from above” (James 1:17); giving Him the credit guards us from pride. Practical Ways to Encourage Others to Boast in the LORD • Share personal testimonies that spotlight His grace, not your achievements. • When someone praises your skill or success, immediately redirect: “The Lord enabled me” (cf. Psalm 115:1). • Weave Scripture into everyday conversation—verses that magnify His attributes (Psalm 145; Isaiah 40). • Celebrate answered prayer publicly so listeners trace the blessing back to God. • Use social media to recount God’s faithfulness rather than self-promotion—brief posts of gratitude, Scripture graphics, praise reports. • In group settings, invite others to finish this sentence: “I’m grateful to God for…” Modeling gratitude cultivates a boast-in-the-Lord culture. • Sing Christ-exalting songs together (Colossians 3:16). Music fixes truth in hearts and unites voices around His glory. • Teach children to say “Thank You, Lord” before “Look what I did!” early habits shape lifelong boasting. • When counseling or encouraging, remind people of God’s character, promises, and past deliverances instead of merely offering human strategies (2 Corinthians 1:9-10). • Highlight the cross often—“Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14). The cross crushes pride and fuels worship. Pitfalls to Avoid • Subtle self-congratulation disguised as “humblebrag.” • Glorifying “luck,” chance, or personal networking rather than God’s providence. • Dwelling on failure without pointing to the Redeemer who restores. • Using spiritual gifts as status symbols rather than stewardship (1 Peter 4:10-11). A Life That Points Upward Live so that anyone who meets you leaves talking about Jesus, not merely about you. As His “people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9), our words, wins, and even weaknesses can echo one refrain: “Boast in the LORD!” |
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