--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: An inability to encourage someone else is…" description: "\"“An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted in an absorption with self that is blind to the needs or gifts of others, or a pride that can..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png" --- # An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted… ![“An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted in an absorption with self that is blind to the needs or gifts of others, or a pride that cannot bring itself to praise God's grace in them.” quote by Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png) > ““An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted in an absorption with self that is blind to the needs or gifts of others, or a pride that cannot bring itself to praise God's grace in them.”” [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Encouraging others requires humility and recognizing their gifts, not self‑absorption or pride. **In simple terms:** Praise others, set aside ego. Key Takeaway Cultivate humility, celebrate others. Themes humility encouragement spirituality Mood inspirational thoughtful Type spiritual advice When to use this quote - church leadership - mentoring - team building - personal growth Key Concepts theology psychology Questions to Reflect On - What habits help you stay humble? - How can you notice others’ gifts? A Different Perspective Pride can still hinder sincere praise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God'S Grace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god-s-grace/) ## Related quotes > [My favorite Founding Fathers, Christians like John Adams, were absolutely appalled by slavery, and did not own slaves. I think we're going to have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-coulter/my-favorite-founding-fathers-christians-like-john-adams-were/) [Ann Coulter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-coulter/) > [“This history has for so long lived like a spider in my breast. The spider spins and spins, catching memories in its web, threatening…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathleen-kent/this-history-has-for-so-long-lived-like-a-spider-in-my-breast-the/) [Kathleen Kent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathleen-kent/) > [There is a pile of dead bodies behind the Mars Hill bus, and by God's grace, it'll be a mountain by the time we're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-driscoll/there-is-a-pile-of-dead-bodies-behind-the-mars-hill-bus-and-by-god-s/) [Mark Driscoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-driscoll/) > [While our sin reaches far, God's grace reaches farther. God came after us not to strip away our freedom but to strip away our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tullian-tchividjian/while-our-sin-reaches-far-god-s-grace-reaches-farther-god-came-after/) [Tullian Tchividjian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tullian-tchividjian/) > [Well actually I don't think it's a bunch of bad things that send us to hell. I think it is rejection of God's grace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-warren/well-actually-i-don-t-think-it-s-a-bunch-of-bad-things-that-send-us/) [Rick Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-warren/) > [“As we mature in faith, our willingness is tested, expanded, and refined. We become more conscious of our limitations and turn to God. The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeannette-a-bakke/as-we-mature-in-faith-our-willingness-is-tested-expanded-and-refined/) Jeannette A. Bakke > [Due to God's grace and a good director, I became successful.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rajinikanth/due-to-god-s-grace-and-a-good-director-i-became-successful/) [Rajinikanth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rajinikanth/) > [There are believers who by God's grace, have climbed the mountains of full assurance and near communion, their place is with the eagle in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-spurgeon/there-are-believers-who-by-god-s-grace-have-climbed-the-mountains-of/) [Charles Spurgeon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-spurgeon/) > [“In the midst of our failed attempts at loving Jesus, His grace covers us. Each of us has lukewarm elements and practices in our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-chan/in-the-midst-of-our-failed-attempts-at-loving-jesus-his-grace-covers/) [Francis Chan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-chan/) > [“The mercy of God's grace guides me in the right path.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/the-mercy-of-god-s-grace-guides-me-in-the-right-path/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [frustration, complication and misery are available in abundance, but so is God's grace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joyce-meyer/frustration-complication-and-misery-are-available-in-abundance-but-so/) [Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joyce-meyer/) > [“In this life, only one thing is needful ; God's grace.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lailah-gifty-akita/in-this-life-only-one-thing-is-needful-god-s-grace/) [Lailah Gifty Akita](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lailah-gifty-akita/) > [God's grace is not infinite. God is infinite, and God is gracious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/god-s-grace-is-not-infinite-god-is-infinite-and-god-is-gracious/) [R. C. Sproul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/r-c-sproul/) > [If families give Our Lady fifteen minutes a day by reciting the Rosary, I assure them that their homes will become, by God's grace,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/patrick-peyton/if-families-give-our-lady-fifteen-minutes-a-day-by-reciting-the/) Patrick Peyton > [I have to be so thankful. I have two kids, my beautiful wife, I'm just blown away at God's grace and God's faithfulness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-camp/i-have-to-be-so-thankful-i-have-two-kids-my-beautiful-wife-i-m-just/) [Jeremy Camp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-camp/) ## More by Sinclair B. Ferguson > [Even those of us who have weak faith have the same strong Christ as others!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/even-those-of-us-who-have-weak-faith-have-the-same-strong-christ-as/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [“Third, hear our loss of focus on the gospel in our songs. This is no comment on musical styles and tastes, but simply an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/third-hear-our-loss-of-focus-on-the-gospel-in-our-songs-this-is-no/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [When the New Testament speaks about the fullness of grace which we find in Christ, it does not mean only forgiveness, pardon and justification.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/when-the-new-testament-speaks-about-the-fullness-of-grace-which-we/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [Every day we need our gaze redirected from ourselves to God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/every-day-we-need-our-gaze-redirected-from-ourselves-to-god/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [The jewels of spiritual service are always quarried in the depths of spiritual experience. Never is this more true than in revival. Bend the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/the-jewels-of-spiritual-service-are-always-quarried-in-the-depths-of/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [Contentment is an undervalued grace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/contentment-is-an-undervalued-grace/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [Where God is at the center of things, worship inevitably follows. Where there is no spirit of worship, there God has been dethroned and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/where-god-is-at-the-center-of-things-worship-inevitably-follows-where/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [“God protects us from Satan even at times when we are not aware of His protection. But how can we develop Jesus-like discernment? By…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/god-protects-us-from-satan-even-at-times-when-we-are-not-aware-of-his/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [The weakest faith gets the same strong Christ as does the strongest faith.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/the-weakest-faith-gets-the-same-strong-christ-as-does-the-strongest/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [Do I learn through dark providences, or simply seem relieved when they are over?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/do-i-learn-through-dark-providences-or-simply-seem-relieved-when-they/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [How do we bring glory to God? The Bible’s short answer is: by growing more and more like Jesus Christ.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/how-do-we-bring-glory-to-god-the-bible-s-short-answer-is-by-growing/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/the-conviction-that-christian-doctrine-matters-for-christian-living/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [The only thing of my very own which I contribute to my redemption is the sin from which I need to be redeemed.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/the-only-thing-of-my-very-own-which-i-contribute-to-my-redemption-is/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [Christian contentment, therefore, is the direct fruit of having no higher ambition than to belong to the Lord and to be totally at His…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/christian-contentment-therefore-is-the-direct-fruit-of-having-no/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) > [You do not become a master musician by playing just as you please, by imagining that learning the scales is sheer legalism and bondage!…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/you-do-not-become-a-master-musician-by-playing-just-as-you-please-by/) [Sinclair B. Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) [Explore all 119 Sinclair B. Ferguson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/) ## More Encourage quotes > [“No one has any right to tell you that the way you perceive yourself is wrong. Because by doing so, they also discourage the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamand-kojouri/no-one-has-any-right-to-tell-you-that-the-way-you-perceive-yourself/) [Kamand Kojouri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamand-kojouri/) > [Meditate on your God-given strengths and learn to encourage yourself, for much of the time nobody else will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/melania/meditate-on-your-god-given-strengths-and-learn-to-encourage-yourself/) [Melania](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/melania/) > [When we built Roomba, we explicitly designed it to not have a face. We didn't want to think it was cute; we wanted people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/colin-angle/when-we-built-roomba-we-explicitly-designed-it-to-not-have-a-face-we/) [Colin Angle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/colin-angle/) > [Though there may be people in your life that support you and encourage you we have to realize that people are only human, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anurag-prakash-ray/though-there-may-be-people-in-your-life-that-support-you-and/) [Anurag Prakash Ray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anurag-prakash-ray/) > [Stock your mind, stock your mind. You might be poor, your shoes might be broken, but your mind is a palace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/stock-your-mind-stock-your-mind-you-might-be-poor-your-shoes-might-be/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Find apartner who wil encourage you to grow,who will let you go to the world,and trust that you will come back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/princealanz/find-apartner-who-wil-encourage-you-to-grow-who-will-let-you-go-to/) Princealanz > [I direct with energy. I believe in energy. I think energy is an electric thing in actors. I try to inspire, encourage, and make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/matthew-lillard/i-direct-with-energy-i-believe-in-energy-i-think-energy-is-an/) [Matthew Lillard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/matthew-lillard/) > [With breast cancer, it's all about detection. You have to educate young women and encourage them to do everything they have to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-rancic/with-breast-cancer-it-s-all-about-detection-you-have-to-educate-young/) [Bill Rancic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-rancic/) > [“Soar to heights where you may view the world from a new perspective.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/fennel-hudson/soar-to-heights-where-you-may-view-the-world-from-a-new-perspective/) [Fennel Hudson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/fennel-hudson/) > [Having kids is the deal-breaker on shyness! Once you have a baby, you learn to speak up loud and clear to protect them, defend…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lori-foster/having-kids-is-the-deal-breaker-on-shyness-once-you-have-a-baby-you/) [Lori Foster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lori-foster/) > [“At this time of the year it seems that everything ought to be creative, not destructive, and that we should encourage things to live…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vera-brittain/at-this-time-of-the-year-it-seems-that-everything-ought-to-be/) [Vera Brittain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vera-brittain/) > [Strong leaders encourage you to do things for your own benefit, not just theirs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-tebow/strong-leaders-encourage-you-to-do-things-for-your-own-benefit-not/) [Tim Tebow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tim-tebow/) > [“Be happy with yourself to encourage others.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/debasish-mridha/be-happy-with-yourself-to-encourage-others/) [Debasish Mridha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/debasish-mridha/) > [“Mitch," he said, "the culture doesn't encourage you to think about such things until you're about to die. We're so wrapped up in egotistical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-albom/mitch-he-said-the-culture-doesn-t-encourage-you-to-think-about-such/) [Mitch Albom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-albom/) > [If you know how to encourage dishearten person and pray for him, the words you speak become Gods will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kishore-bansal/if-you-know-how-to-encourage-dishearten-person-and-pray-for-him-the/) [Kishore Bansal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kishore-bansal/) Browse all 609 Encourage quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted in an absorption with self that is blind to the needs or gifts of others, or a pride that cannot bring itself to praise God's grace in them.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Sinclair B. Ferguson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-is-usually-rooted-in-an/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Encourage" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-is-usually-rooted-in-an/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/977/sinclair-b-ferguson-3915_encourage_an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-i_2252248.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“An inability to encourage someone else is usually rooted in an absorption with self that is blind to the…” — Sinclair B. Ferguson", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Sinclair B. Ferguson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sinclair-b-ferguson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“An inability to encourage someone else...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-is-usually-rooted-in-an/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sinclair-b-ferguson/an-inability-to-encourage-someone-else-is-usually-rooted-in-an/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```