Giving Encouragement

Encouragement. We love to get it. But how frequently are we giving it? We often wait for a holiday or a crisis or even death before we bring encouragement and thoughtfulness to others’ lives. We also overlook the people who seem to be “doing good” and assume that they don’t need encouragement. Let’s throw those mentalities out the window and focus on being an encouragement right now to people who won’t be expecting it.

I would like to challenge you to take a few minutes each day for one week to encourage people in your life. Think of this walk-through as an exercise that will bless you and benefit many people whom you care about. Are you with me? Let’s surprise some people with some encouragement!

 

Day 1:

 Today, think of someone who you have been intending to drop a line for a while, but just haven’t gotten around to it. Go ahead and do it today.

Day 2:

Choose a person in your immediate family. On a piece of paper, write them a letter telling them how much they mean to you and why you appreciate them. Write from your heart. Sometimes it’s the people closest to us that we neglect to shower with encouragement. But your words matter to them, so go ahead and let it out. (If writing isn’t your thing, please persevere and write the letter anyway. It will mean so much to the person to whom you give it.) If you live in the same household as the person you have chosen, then leave your letter to them on their bed or in another place where they will discover it. If you do not live in the same house, place it in the mail tomorrow.

 

Day 3:

Today you don’t have to write anything. Instead, keep your eyes and ears open for someone outside of your home who deserves a compliment. Then give it! It doesn’t matter if you know them. Go ahead and give them a compliment and after their initial look of shock, you will be sure to see a smile!

 

Day 4:

Choose someone who has specifically made a difference in your life. They may know it, or they may be unaware of their influence in your life. Take a few minutes to email (or contact them another way) and thank them.

 

DAy 5:

Today, consider people you know who are going through a difficult time. A simple word of encouragement and expressing a sincere plan to pray for them goes a very long way. Sometimes when we know someone is going through a tough time, our natural reaction is to pull away from them and “give them some space.” However, sincere encouragement is needed and appreciated. This is a time to lift them up, so select someone and send them a simple, sincere note of encouragement.

 

Day 6:

Think of a teenager or child in your life or in your church. Grab a piece of paper or a note card and write a few lines to let them know that you appreciate them and that God has an awesome plan for their life. Believe me, your message to them will be cherished. Either place your note in the mail or hand it to them when you see them at church.

 

Day 7:

Go to a quiet place, kneel down, and tell your heavenly Father how much you love and appreciate Him. Take some time to specifically mention to Him the things for which you are thankful. Generally mentioning “all God’s blessings” doesn’t cut it this time. Be specific with God and let your gratitude pour from your heart to your lips as you bless Him.