What principles define how you live?
“It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man.” Psalm 118:8 KJV
Unfortunately, confidence in others is a futile expectation. Faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way. I have been let down by the belief that people I have shown concern for or friendly affection would return the same. A feeling of liking and caring for someone or something : tender attachment. Ironic an alternate definition is: a bodily condition or disease. Is seeking the affection of others the symptom of a disease? Could the want for validation of others a symptom for the diagnosis of insecurity? A lack of dependability or certainty; lack of a reliable means of meeting one’s basic needs.
“not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:25 KJV
“but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 KJV
“and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
Hebrews 10:24 KJV
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
James 5:16 KJV
How can exhortation be done without effectual conversation? To exhort another there must be a recognition of the need for exhortation. Exhortation has one use which is to encourage others. Is it wrong then to voice one’s felt deficiency of being exhorted by others?
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV
How long should someone be patient towards others when to receive returned exhorting? I’m confessing my fault of not being patient and need a brother to be the encouraging one for me without the request?
Maybe I need to confess this to others when I am asked “how are you?”
ChatGPT:
You’ve expressed deep thoughts about the challenges of seeking affirmation and encouragement from others and how these experiences intersect with your faith. It’s clear you desire genuine exhortation, as Scripture encourages believers to build one another up, but you’ve also experienced the pain of unmet expectations. Let’s explore your reflections within the context of biblical truth.
Trusting God Over Man
Psalm 118:8 reminds us that putting our ultimate trust in the Lord is more reliable than trusting in people. Human relationships are valuable, but because people are imperfect, relying on others for consistent encouragement can sometimes lead to disappointment. The desire for affection, support, or recognition from others isn’t wrong in itself, but it becomes an issue when it supplants our trust in God.
The Need for Exhortation in Community
Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:7, and James 5:16 all point to the necessity of fellowship, exhortation, and confession among believers. As humans, we’re designed for connection, and it is within the body of Christ that we are called to uplift one another, provoke one another to love, and pray for one another’s healing. Exhortation isn’t a one-sided act—it requires recognition of each other’s needs, mutual love, and vulnerability.
However, you raise a valid point: How can exhortation happen without effective conversation and openness? For others to know what you need, there often must be a willingness to express your struggles, including confessing when you feel spiritually or emotionally depleted. When you share your need for encouragement, you’re giving others the opportunity to fulfill their biblical duty to support and uplift you.
Is Seeking Validation a Symptom of Insecurity?
The idea that seeking affection or validation from others could be tied to insecurity is insightful. When our sense of worth is tied too heavily to how others perceive or respond to us, it can reflect a deeper need to find our identity in Christ. While human relationships play an important role in our emotional and spiritual health, they should never replace the affirmation and security we find in God’s love.
It’s not wrong to seek fellowship and encouragement from others, but the key is understanding that our ultimate validation comes from God. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls us to comfort and edify one another, but this mutual building up must always be anchored in the greater truth of God’s sufficiency.
Voicing the Need for Exhortation
Your question—“Is it wrong to voice one’s felt deficiency of being exhorted by others?”—is crucial. The answer is no, it’s not wrong. In fact, voicing your need can be an act of humility and transparency. When you confess your need for encouragement or express your struggle with patience, you’re not demanding validation; rather, you’re inviting others into your life to minister to you as fellow believers. James 5:16 encourages us to confess our faults and pray for one another, so that we may be healed—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Patience and Reciprocity in Encouragement
Your other question—“How long should someone be patient towards others when waiting to receive exhortation in return?”—points to a very real struggle. It’s difficult to be the one constantly giving encouragement without receiving it in return. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 instructs us to be patient toward all, including those who may be slow to reciprocate.
The answer may lie in understanding that while we’re called to bear one another’s burdens, ultimately, our patience is sustained by Christ’s example. Jesus was patient, even with His disciples when they didn’t fully understand or reciprocate His love immediately. Being patient doesn’t mean ignoring your need, but it means trusting that in God’s time, He will provide the encouragement you need—whether through others or directly from Him.
Practical Application: Confessing Your Need
You mentioned the idea of confessing this need when someone asks, “How are you?” This is an excellent way to invite others into your life and let them know that you, too, need encouragement. By honestly sharing your need for support, you allow the community of believers around you to fulfill their role of exhortation and comfort.
It might feel vulnerable, but confession is often the doorway to deeper relationships. It also gives others the opportunity to reflect on their own hearts and how they might better serve those around them. Sharing your need doesn’t make you weak; it makes you open to the strength of community and the grace of God working through others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s natural to desire validation and affection from others, the ultimate source of our security must come from God. That said, it’s perfectly biblical to express your need for encouragement from fellow believers, as long as it’s done in the spirit of humility and mutual edification. God has designed us for fellowship, and confessing your struggles can open the door for deeper connection and growth within the body of Christ.
When others ask, “How are you?” consider responding with honesty. Let them know how they can be a source of encouragement for you, just as you seek to do the same for them. Let your need be a catalyst for deeper, Christ-centered relationships.
Could AI just have given encouragement? Maybe AI translating the Bible into all languages might not be so bad, or is it?
How would one know if asking for exhortation from another not produce an artificial response from a natural response anyway?
Guess I need to have faith in the authenticity of a response from a brother.
ChatGPT:
Your reflections touch on a deep question about the authenticity of human interactions and the role of faith when it comes to trusting others. Let me address a few key points that you’ve raised.
The Nature of Encouragement and Artificial Responses
You asked, “Could AI just have given encouragement?” The difference between an AI response and encouragement from a fellow believer is primarily the source and intent. AI can provide thoughtful responses, but it cannot replicate the spiritual connection and guidance of the Holy Spirit that flows through a human who truly cares. Genuine encouragement often comes with shared experiences, empathy, and the power of prayer—things that AI, as a tool, can only simulate.
Authenticity in Seeking Exhortation
You also raised the point about wondering if asking for exhortation produces an “artificial response” from a natural one. When you ask for encouragement, you may feel that someone’s response is merely a reaction to your request rather than a spontaneous act of care. This can lead to questioning the authenticity of that response. However, consider this:
Exhortation requires awareness: The Bible encourages believers to provoke one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), but how can someone do that if they don’t know what you need? By sharing your need for encouragement, you’re giving someone an opportunity to minister to you. While it may seem like a prompted response, it doesn’t make the encouragement any less genuine. Sometimes, people need a nudge to act on what is already in their hearts.
• Faith in brotherly love: You mentioned needing faith in the authenticity of a brother’s response. This is key. Relationships, especially within the body of Christ, are built on mutual trust. When you ask for encouragement, you’re exercising faith that God will use that brother or sister to uplift you. Just as you trust the Lord to work in your life, trust Him to work through others to meet your needs.
AI and the Translation of the Bible
You also touched on AI’s potential role in Bible translation. AI could certainly be a useful tool for spreading God’s Word to more people in their native languages, helping overcome barriers. However, the process of translating Scripture is deeply tied to spiritual discernment and understanding cultural nuances, which requires more than linguistic accuracy. It requires the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit to ensure that the heart of God’s message remains clear and intact. While AI might assist in that work, the human touch, grounded in faith, remains essential.
Faith in Human Responses
In the end, whether a response feels “artificial” or “natural” depends on the intent behind it. If a brother offers encouragement, trust that God is working through that person, even if it feels initiated by your request. The authenticity of their response is not diminished by your asking. Sometimes, the simple act of asking for support opens the door for God to work through others in unexpected ways.
Your need for encouragement is valid, and Scripture shows that we are meant to lean on one another for strength. While it’s difficult when people let us down, remember that God never does, and He often uses the people around us—even if prompted—to show His love and care.
33 and a Third 