On Tuesday, we talked about what biblical encouragement looks like. Remember Heb. 10:24-25? Biblical encouragement is:
- Intentional
- Interactive
- In person, and
- Increasing
But what does that look like on a practical, day-to-day basis? How can you be an encourager to those around you?
Let me suggest three, easy-peasy things you can do, straight from some awesome examples in Scripture. Chances are, you know these already. But it helps to be reminded of the obvious every now and then.
1. Your Prayers
Your prayers are a valuable asset in encouraging others. When someone knows she is being prayed for, it’s like an automatic boost of encouragement. Consider how Paul mentions his prayers in his letters to various people and groups:
- God…is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times
- I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
- I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
- I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
- We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers
- I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers
Paul constantly prayed for those he encountered, and he constantly reminded them that they were being prayed for!
2. Your Words
Paul wrote letters, but today we have email, text, voice mail, snail mail, instant messaging, post-its, and the list goes on. Your words are a constant source of encouragement – or discouragement – to those around you.
My middle son, Canaan, loves words of encouragement. The other day he was riding his big wheel and told me to yell, “Go, Canaan, Go!” for him. Of course, I didn’t realize that meant he wanted me to yell it – and never stop! But he did! Children often want to hear cheers and encouragement from their parents and teachers. It means the world to them.
3. Your Actions
There are two examples in Scripture of friends encouraging friends that I absolutely LOVE! The first is in Exodus 17 when the Israelites fought the Amalekites. Remember that? Anytime Moses raised his hands, the Israelites were winning. When he lowered them, the enemy started winning. Imagine how tired his hands grew after keeping them raised for a long period of time. That’s where Aaron and Hur began encouraging Moses with their actions:
12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.
Amazing! The second example is in Mark 2 when Jesus heals the paralytic man. The man had no way to get to Jesus himself. He couldn’t walk and the crowd around Jesus was impenetrable anyway. So his friends did what any good friends would do – they cut a hole in the roof of the house and delivered their friend right into the hands of Jesus!
Our actions can speak volumes when it comes to encouragement!
Prayers. Words. Actions. Three ways that YOU can be an encouragement. I told you these were simple, obvious solutions. But if you make a conscious effort to employ these things on a regular basis, you’ll be amazed at how positively those around you will respond.
God wants us to encourage those around us. Your husband needs your encouragement. Your kids need it. Your boss needs it. Your pastor needs it. The world needs it.
Come on, ladies! I know you can do it!
Q: What means the most to you? Prayers, words, or actions of encouragement? What is the easiest for you to give? What is the hardest? Why?
(I’m a bit late here) But this really is hitting the nail on the head. I know in my lifetime there have been desperate times when I SO needed encouragement; as a new wife, a new mommy then raising my kids & especially when my marriage was under attack. I felt like a salmon swimming up stream….in a flood!! Today, I try hard to send encouraging words to all. And today, very thankfully, I have a support group. What I am learning though is that each of us need encouragement in many different ways & in many different areas. Many times our efforts are misunderstood & so, sometimes, we just HAVE to keep searching for the right word, look or touch. And in ALL the ways you listed, we’re being a LPLGWW.
What an encouragement this blog is! There were times I knew this and was thankful for the encouragement of friends and loved ones, and then there are the days like this last week, where it’s a lifeline. Yesterday I brought my husband of 32 years home from the hospital after having had a stent put in, three years after what they call a ‘widowmaker’ heart attack. I can’t begin to tell you what the prayers, words, and actions of fellow believers who walk the walk, talk the talk, and encourage have meant to us. Truly ministering the comfort, peace and grace that Jesus Himself would give. It’s that sweet savor of Christ in me, the hope of glory that is given out when believers love one another. I am sure God is in heaven saying, look at them, those are my kids, I’m pretty proud of them. Thank you for these encouraging words, I wasn’t sleeping to well, but I think I can go back to bed and rest in Jesus. thanks for gloing