“Use your gifts!” I encouraged my children hundreds if not thousands of times over the years. I intentionally tried to mention their gifts as they were growing up. From interests and skill development to their people gifts: making others smile, practicing empathy, and speaking words of encouragement. Humbly, I would like to think I have a gift of encouragement. I try to focus on the positive and intentionally thank others for the “little things” that many might expect. I try to notice when others try something new, and might struggle for a while, simply because they are stretching themselves and stepping out of their comfort zone. Naturally, I am not perfect and remind myself to be better at recognizing these situations and to stop practicing great intentions and instead speak the recognition that is in my mind!
Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica that they were to “Encourage one another and build each other up.” (5:11, NIV) He also charged them with these ideals:
Respect those who labor among you and those who are over you, esteem them highly because of their work. (v 13)
Be at peace among yourselves. (v 13)
Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (v 14)
Seek to do good to everyone. (v 15b)
Give thanks in all circumstances. (v 18)
Those ideas still apply to us today. When we encourage one another, we are offering the gift of acknowledgement. We are telling people: I see you and I want the best for you. I believe in you and I am excited to see you grow. Aren’t these the words our Heavenly Father would audibly whisper to them, to us? This is an incredible opportunity to be His hands, feet and even voice as we encourage one another.
I can’t tell you how often others’ words have bolstered my heart when I wondered if I ought to give up on a dream or propelled me to continue down the path of obedience, even when it felt like just too much.
As I am sure you can relate, seeing others muster the strength to pick themselves up for one more attempt, after being built up by someone else’s affirmation is an incredibly rewarding experience.
But the blessing of the encourager doesn’t stop there. God supplies the encourager with what he needs, including God’s strength to do what needs to be accomplished. We don’t need to worry about running out of steam- God continuously supplies.
In a world where worry, negativity and even condemnation reign, we have the opportunity to brighten someone’s moment, day, even outlook, by speaking a few words of encouragement over them. Imagine if each of us made that a practice? What a world we would have.
Let’s ask God for the help to do just that.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be an encourager of Your children. I want my words to be a gift to others, a gift You created. Please use my words for You. Please also direct me to silence when my words wouldn’t be a blessing. Lord, only You know, please help me to be sensitive to your guidance. God, above all, thank You for Your Word. It directs, encourages, and outlines how my words and actions ought to go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.