You might have a vague idea that being an encouraging person is nice or maybe you feel like it’s more for people with especially sunny personalities, but let’s dive a little deeper into what it means and what importance it holds. Let’s start with what the Bible says about encouraging others.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.
Romans 15.5 NIV
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10.24-25 NIV
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5.11 NLT
What does it mean to encourage someone?
The definition of encourage according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope: hearten. But the part that’s hard to define is what it feels like to be encouraged when you really need it. How the smallest of kind gestures or a supportive word can absolutely unglue you. I love this quote from the Psychology Today article The Quiet Power of Encouragement, for the way it shows us what encouragement can do for a person. Of course, Biblical encouragement coupled with the leading of the Holy Spirit is a very powerful tool for the believer!
And what an amazing gift we can offer to others through encouragement! When we ‘en-courage,’ it’s as though we actually infuse courage into another person. Encouragement can provide people with strength to look ahead, move forward, and reach for the next goal. The whole emotional tone of a tough situation can be transformed through encouragement. Somehow things seem a little brighter.
Julie J. Exline (Psychology Today)
When you encourage someone…
To build on the ideas in the quote, let’s talk about what can happen when you encourage someone. I know, sometimes it feels like it will be easier if you just keep to yourself. You might fear you’ll look stupid, or the person won’t want to hear what you have to say. That could happen…but in my experience, people are hungry for a kind word and a listening ear. Your willingness to step out of your comfort zone could remind someone that they’re not alone. It could give them the little push they need to keep going. You can help build their confidence, and possibly even build a friendship from the experience.
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How to Encourage Family and Friends
Pray for God to guide you in encouraging the people in your life in meaningful ways. Watch for ways you can support loved ones when they are having a hard time, or when they’re discouraged. Ask them what they are struggling with. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Smile and listen
- Send a note of encouragement
- Point out progress, no matter how small
- Explain all the ways you’re thankful for them
- Buy a little gift that made you think of them
How to Encourage Strangers
Is it just me, or have you noticed that people in public avoid eye contact like it’s their job? This can make it difficult to find an opening to encourage a stranger, but God will give you an opportunity at the right time if you’re open to it.
- Smile
- Hold the door
- Compliment
- Tip well at restaurants
- Make time to have a conversation with someone who seems willing. People are lonely out there.
How to Encourage Yourself
This might seem like a strange idea, but sometimes there’s not someone around to encourage you, and since you have the Spirit and the Word, there’s no reason not to remind yourself of the reasons you have to be joyful and courageous. If you don’t know some encouraging Scriptures off the top of your head, search for verses to have ready for the struggles you are facing. A few of my favorites are:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29.11-13 NIV
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2.10 NLT
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 121.1-2 NIV
What are your favorite verses to encourage yourself with? Let us know in the comments what ways you like to encourage others in your life!
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