Endurance racer Robyn Benincasa said “You don’t inspire others by showing them how amazing you are. You inspire them by showing them how amazing they are.” If we know others believe in our skills and abilities we are far more likely to use them and grow in them. 

There are many ways we can be encouraging to others, with words and actions. Focus on noticing, praising and thanking the efforts and achievements of others however small. Encouragement can be a simple as a smile or as costly giving someone your undivided time and attention. 

Try it for a day -or a week…

It’s so important to create a culture in your groups where it is ok (and normal) to make mistakes. As you focus on being merciful to others you can also model this by admitting your mistakes, and being generous and gentle when things don’t go perfectly. Try it for a day -or a week…

It’s important the importance of being sensitive and thoughtful towards others in your teams and groups, in every aspect of your ministry from planning, time keeping to every part of communication and interaction. As you focus on being more prepared spend more time thinking about how you can be more sensitive to the needs, backgrounds and circumstances of others

Authenticity is about being honest with yourself and others about who you are and where you are at now rather than and idealised version. This can be harder in certain contexts than others but always valuable. If we want to get to know others we must be willing for others to get to know us...

Lord Jesus
Thankyou for all you have given me this day
and for filling me with your life, hope and love.
Lead me to people you are at work in and let me join in
Lead me to places and projects you are at work in
And let me join in.
Fill me with your boldness and your peace
May your Kingdom come and your will be done
today and always
Amen

Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance...

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
  for you are God my Saviour,
  and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
  for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
  and my rebellious ways;
  according to your love remember me,
  for you, Lord, are good.
Good and upright is the Lord;
  therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
He guides the humble in what is right
  and teaches them his way.

Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.