I am scurrying to sunday school as I write this but wanted to take a moment and post some thoughts in hopes of genrating some thought/input.
How would you define optimism?
What is its role/function when working with a lost or damaged soul?
What kind of power does it have?
I llok forward to reading some thoughts and possibly testimonies; SOON
Lets get going Bro. Donnie! Post some more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement. I trust you will be impressed to think based on the latest post.
ReplyDeleteOptimism to me (without looking it up) is having a positive outlook on life. For it to be effective with others, it can't be over-done or fake or pushed, it has to be REAL from the inside out. How does that happen? By showing others the "hope we have within".... And that comes because we've been saved by the Blood of the Lamb! So,
ReplyDeleteWhen we are dealing with others, we have to see where they are coming from (validate their feelings or they won't thinking we are actually listening and caring) and then we must not join them in the mud: help encourage them to come out. Point them to
ReplyDeleteJesus and His power to help them versus joining their pity-party and helping them sink deeper in the muck.
ReplyDelete(This is really annoying- it keeps messing up and won't let me type any more until I publish and start again. Pardon all the comments.)
ReplyDeleteThe power comes by the personal testimony shared with the other person: "they overcame...by the blood of he lamb and the word of their testimony".... So when we can share with them how we felt less than optimistic about life and yet God helped us and brought us out, it gives them a glimmer of hope that this can happen in their life too. :-) the true power doesn't come in lightening form, it's like an energizing force from God - it's His spirit sparking a flame of hope in their hearts. It also doesn't come from OUR abilities to be optimistic... There's no power there and actually can be pretty annoying to a depressed person --- "they're always so HAPPY!!! Why?! Go away!" Lol... But showing the way, that leads to the Cross and to burdens being lifted at Calvary has supernatural powers. Ok... I must run. Thanks for the encouragement to make sure I have my optimism from God in the form of the fruits of the Spirit!
ReplyDeleteAMEN.
ReplyDelete