This is a wonderful book that has changed my understanding on how to respond to others' need for encouragement. Frankly speaking, I've been misled for years by what people said about stuff like applying empathy towards others, often finding myself at dead end which did not lead to what the Bible says we should head for. The book points the way from the shallow need for nurturing the other person's layer to entering the core, from attention on what to say to having the right attitude as we seize the opportunity for encouragement. Sadly enough, although the above is not a new concept and can be realized and accepted through common sense, we have been confused by theories of secular counselling which has pointed us to unbiblical ways of caring for others.

Though I think the book could have been even more helpful by saying more how we can continue to encourage after opening the door, I decide not to drop a star since I think it is a must read for all Christians who seriously desire to do their part in this much needed ministry of encouragement, especially because I seldom come across books which provide such valuable advice on this topic which is compatible with what the Bible says.

This is an excellent book by very inspired authors. Encouragement is in fact a two way street. If you read a book about encouragement you are probably expecting to learn how to be more positive personally. However, we also need to know about our responsibility to be more encouraging toward others. This book will teach the reader that we are responsible for every word and every action toward others. Our responses to other people can be encouraging or discouraging. I don't think I had taken my actions toward others serious enough until I read this book. This book should be read by all high school students because it really guides the reader into a better understanding of both self-image and social responsibility. The book is a quick read and holds your attention very well.

"A few well-timed words suited perfectly to the need of a particular moment can yield enduring results in someone's life. When layered Christians meet together, their purpose is to protect themselves from each other or to use each other to enhance their own self-esteem. The basis of our fellowship is our shared life in Christ by promoting fuller appreciation of Christ through mirroring Christ to one another, treating each other as valuable bearers of the image of God, and accepting one another in spite of shortcomings. We are to understand the fears, defenses and needs of others and to become committed, not to sharing ourselves, but to sharing the Lord by ministering to those needs. We handle negative emotions three ways: repression, unrestrained expression or acknowledgement and proper expression to God. Change takes place when truth is presented in relationship. The essence of encouragement is exposure without rejection by conveying confidence to change. Encouragement is the fruit of a self-examined heart and a compassionate, discerning sensitivity to the needs of others. The work of restoration is to help self-centered, unbelieving, fearful people to become Christ-centered, trusting and bold."

I read this book as an assignment for a Bible Counseling course and found it extremely helpful. One new idea I learned was "My desire is to be encouraged, but my goal will be to minister to others." I've been struggling with my own need for encouragement and Chapter 5 helped clarify it for me: I need to learn to trust God for my own encouragement and focus my attention on ministering to others - only then will I know true joy.