venting

[traveller]

GOGG, this is a great place for discouraged encouragers. Seriously, I know this to be true.

One thing that I have found is that these online people are as real as offline people. I do hope that you hang around and get to know some of them. We have some mighty servants of God here, and some very knowledgeable ones.

Welcome to WorthyBoards.

[homebild]

.... shouldn't have to to get what I need from my bothers and sisters.

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Male 49 here.

Don't comprehend why you would think you shouldn't have to get what you need from your brothers and sisters.

That is what the Body of Christ is all about: Getting what you need from the other members...

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What I'm saying is I don't think I should have to go to a chat room to get it when I have been an associate in the same church for 10 years. They say you tend to be the most critical in the areas you are gifted in and my gift is to encourage the discouraged. I wonder where in my church after all this time is the listening ear when I get discouraged. Just venting my brother, just venting, but please, respond. It's always good to meet brothers and sisters even if it's online.

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Your expectations of where your 'ear' should come from seems amiss.

What I mean by that is it is rare for anyone to find personal support systems at work, and this church is your 'work'.

What's worse, you are one of the 'bosses' and shouldn't expect the 'workers' to be all that sympathetic to your personal needs.

Just as one normally needs to develop his support systems outside his place of employment in family, friends, and other social groups, so too yours need to come from similar outside sources.

Some are fortunate to make a friend or two with whom they can develop a mutually supporting relationship at work, but it just doesn't happen all that often.

Be glad to be an on line 'friend' but it seems to me you need to start looking outside your church for the kind of up close and personal support you need, in your family, friends, clubs, a gym, college, bowling or dart league....even another church group for other areas of interest.

The church in which you work cannot be and should not be the sole source of your social support nor personal affirmation network.

[Guest Jacee]

GOGG

This might be the word you don't want to hear. And am really hoping I can say it without slicing with the sword those wounds that are already there.

A long time ago the Lord cautioned me that I was not to get emotionally involved with what I was hearing. In order to hear His voice, we put aside our thoughts on the matters, and listen to His voice. I am sure you know that. I had to learn also through a lot of pain, I might add, that those who are looking for answers, really don't want to hear our pain too. And that makes our witness less for some. Not all, but some. So in order to share and receive compassion too; we need to know who we can share with. I am not saying that I am higher than another. Please don't misunderstand. But, people in need generally cannot see past their own needs to counsel. Some never receive and go higher; but are always needy.

If there isn't one who you can confide in; the Lord Himself will be your comforter. And this is a lonely walk. But, one He well understands.

God bless!