Give Honest Encouragement

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Have you ever been to a sporting event where the home team played “We Are the Champions” by Queen?

We are the champions, my friend,

And we’ll keep on fighting ’til the end.

We are the champions.

We are the champions.

No time for losers, ’cause we are

The champions of the world.

The song works great when the team is winning, but it sounds ridiculous when fortunes are reversed.

Paul the apostle was no stranger to hardship. He encouraged the church to rely on God, but he didn’t paste on a phony smile. While facing situations realistically, Paul reminded them that “great power is from God” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Perhaps your team is going through difficult times.

Your best path is to give honest encouragement. They don’t need a cheerleader, but a leader who understands their dilemmas and offers a credible solution.

Put away the pom-poms and be real.