Encouraged

To get through conflict with parents or friends, you need encouragement along with comfort and support. You receive encouragement when someone does something thoughtful to lift your spirits like committing to pray and saying affirming words. Encouraging deeds may not seem as practical as solving problems, but they are just as necessary. What if you do not receive the encouragement you need? Ask for it. It's okay to tell someone who cares about you, "I need a hug" or "I just need you to be with me for awhile."

There are practical steps you can take to resolve your difficulties with others. When you don't get along with people, you may think that they are just being difficult and unreasonable. This may be partly true, but there is often a deeper issue. The conflict may exist because some of your needs are not being met. Everyone has needs. We have physical needs for food, rest, and safety. We have spiritual needs for forgiveness, fellowship with God, and freedom from guilt and shame. And we also have emotional needs, such as the need for love, security, and a sense of belonging.

You need not be ashamed or embarrassed about being needy. God created us with these needs and provided the means for getting these needs met. Philippians 4:19 reads, "My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

God is ultimately the source of all fulfilled needs, but He has chosen to meet a large number of your needs through relationships with others: parents, other family members, church leaders and friends.