Psalm100,
I too wonder why few people respond to posts. Many people read the posts, but for what ever reason, they don't make any comments. The "mission" - the "goal" of PS is to encourage one another in our walk with the Lord Jesus. How can one be encouraged when others don't respond? It is discouraging to post something (especially when your heart is aching) & then have no one say anything. We don't need to worry what to say because we can use the Bible as our guide. Our Heavenly Father knows what needs to be said. He'll direct us in His Word to come along side someone to communicate God's truth & hope ~~ words that are helpful & will build others up in their relationship with Jesus. Because we are "born-again" Christians (believers, followers of Jesus) we desire the counsel we seek to come from the Bible, not worldly philosophy. If we wanted empty, vain words we'd be posting on a secular site.
parakaleo is a Greek word meaning "to call alongside", in other words, "to encourage". The Christian life is not easy. Life is full of problems (for believers as well as unbelievers). Sometimes we can get so overwhelmed by our problems that is all we can see. We need to be reminded what God's Word says because we can forget when we are in the mist of a trial. It is His Words that will bring us "peace that surpasses all understanding." During difficult times we need to be reminded that God will use the bad for good, that our loving Heavenly Father will fight for us on our behalf so we don't have to worry. Often times we know those things in our head, but to be reminded of them - to have someone refocus our thinking is very comforting & encouraging ~~ it renews our hope. When we others communicate with us that they are rejoice with us when we're rejoicing or weeping with us when we are weeping can bring such healing.
There used to be a lot of participation. Is it fear that prevents others from posting? Is it feeling you don't know what to say that prevents one from replying to a post? Why do others come to PS & read the posts? What are your reasons for coming to this site -- to be encouraged? How can a person be encouraged if other people don't say anything?
