How can we be better encouragers? That’s what I want to think about today. Encouragement makes us feel good. It makes us confident in the tasks laid out before us. Everyone could use some encouragement but I think especially Christians! Christians are faced with temptation, backlash, and all sorts of negative things. There are even some things that our fellow Christians go through that we may not even know about. It may be that all they need is just a little encouragement from someone who loves and cares for them. How can we be a better encouragement to our brethren?
1. Remind Them Who They’re Living For
In some cases, it can just be really tough to be a Christian. We receive backlash from family, friends, and sometimes even other Christians. What can we do to help? Now, you do want to remember to use good judgment on when to say something like this, but if it’s the right time, go to the struggling Christian and let them know that you’re truly sorry for the situation they’re in. Be empathetic. Then, remind them that they became a Christian because they want to please God and serve Him forever. It’s not about pleasing other people. Yes, it can be extremely hard sometimes to do the right thing, but knowing what awaits us in heaven will make it all worth it. Jesus encouraged His disciples when He told them of bad things to come in John 16:33.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NKJV
The best example we have of encouragement is to look at Jesus’ life. If He’s the best example, why not do what He did?
2. Compliment Them
When you’re feeling down, doesn’t a compliment seem to really help boost your mood? Maybe say something like, “That outfit looks really pretty on you!” or “You did such a good job with _____.” Little compliments like that can really help make a person feel so much better and ready to take on the world!
3. Set A Good Example
What happens when you’re trying to stay away from sin but the people around you are doing or saying things they shouldn’t? It can definitely make it harder to stand up for what’s right! So, by setting a good example no matter who we’re around, we can encourage them to make the right choices!
4. Encourage Just Because!
Maybe there isn’t anyone that you know of who’s struggling, but why not encourage them anyway? If it’s a new job, support them in it! If it’s a Bible study they’re conducting, encourage them in it! If they’re learning to cook for the first time, encourage them! Whatever it may be, we can be encouraging and supportive to our brethren.
Christians are to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and in doing so, we help each other and lift one another up, ENCOURAGING each other to stay on track! If we can’t help our brethren be faithful, how are we going to help others learn the truth? This month, challenge yourself. Try to be a better encourager. We’ll all work together and hey, isn’t that an ENCOURAGING thought?
Sidenote: Encouragement doesn’t just have to be extended toward your brothers and sisters in Christ. You never know, encouraging non-Christians may lead to them becoming one!
