Let all that you do be done with love.

~1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV

Be encouraged to encourage.

“You did a great job with your presentation.”

“How beautiful your house is, decorated for Christmas!” 

“Wow! Dinner is delicious. You’re a great cook.” 

“Thank you so much for your visit. It brightened my day.”

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

~1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

We all love to feel appreciated by others. Kind words encourage us and can make our day. We walk away with a spring in our step and a smile on our faces. They have affirmed us. When someone speaks words of affirmation to me, my spirit lifts, and I then look for opportunities to encourage others. In the Bible, God mandates us to encourage one another. The Greek word for “encourage” is parakaleo, and it appears more than one hundred times in the New Testament. Below are some ways we can encourage others:

Smile and speak to the person behind you in the grocery line.

In heavy traffic, let a car merge in front of you.

Sit with a visitor in church.

Take a hand-picked bouquet to a family member or friend who is going through a tough time.

Send cards for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions. Or better yet, send a handwritten note.

Volunteer in a food bank.

Smile at those you meet on the street or in a hallway.

Paul was one of the greatest encouragers in the New Testament. Part of his ministry entailed writing letters to the churches, often from prison, so he could encourage believers in their walk with the Lord. Likewise, encouragement is necessary for our faith walk. When we encourage others, we give hope. This helps them through times of conflict or illness. Encouragement nurtures kindness. Even in church, we find those who desperately need encouragement. We may need it ourselves. If we can encourage at least one person daily, that may well change that person’s life for eternity. Let’s set this as our goal.

Who can you encourage today?

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your discernment, grace, and love as You show me how to encourage others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2019: Be Encouraged, to Encourage: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved