Encouragement: Urging others to persist and persevere in their efforts to attain their goals; stimulating others toward love and good deeds.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24)
Did you know that you can encourage others with or without words?? Yes! We all receive encouragement differently. Some of us, when we think of what encouraging someone would be, we probably think of words first. Let’s think a bit further.
Have you heard of the Five Love Languages? (I recommend checking the book out!)
The Five Love Languages in Gary Chapman’s book are as follows:
Words of affirmation
Acts of Service
Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch
It dawned on me that encouragement can be given by mowing a neighbors lawn if they are elderly or out of town, by leaving a small gift on your co-workers desk, making time for a friend that has been a little down lately, or giving someone a high five or hug to say, “You’ve got this!”
All of these acts speak encouragement to others!
Jesus – The Light of the World: (Jesus Meets Our Need For Encouragement)
Using the Five Love Languages, well four since we already know words are part of encouragement, let’s look at scripture to see how Jesus encouraged in this way.
Acts of Service: Jesus’ first miracle was at the wedding banquet. John 2:1-11. No wine left!!! How that would have upset and embarrassed the bride and groom. BAM! Jesus turned water into the best wine ever, surprising all the guests that the best was saved until the end!
Have you ever experienced God in this way? What I mean is, has God ever done something FOR you that absolutely blew your mind and encouraged you? Thank Him for it!
Gifts: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Enough said. Thank Him for it!
Quality time and physical touch: John 13:1-17 Jesus spent time with His friends, His disciples. He loved them greatly and spent many hours teaching them, preparing them for when He would leave this world.
In this scripture we read how Jesus washed His disciples feet. I can’t even bring myself to think of this beautiful act of touch without bursting into tears. Jesus wanted to show us that we are to be humble, to serve, to care for and love others by being an example, as He is for us. Spend time with Him and thank Him!
His Word – A lamp and a Light
Let’s do: Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Whatever we do…..Think on that a few minutes.
Are those around you in need of encouragement?
I think of our pastors and leaders in the church. They need encouragement, friends! Can you show them encouragement by sending them a small gift with a note, perhaps take dinner to the family, or supply money for a date with his/her spouse. Maybe you could even arrange for someone (or you) to watch their children. Might be great to personally take them to lunch and encourage them by sharing how they have impacted your life.
A friend of mine sends my husband and me a text every week with words of encouragement. He also lets us know that he is praying for us. He does this to many at our church It is so amazing! A text does not take long, but it sure has a big impact on the recipient!
You And I Are “The Light of the World” – Jesus Said So.
Just as Jesus modeled, how to care for others through His time with His disciples we can be a model, (Light), of encouragement to others.
You may already have someone or several on your heart, who can use some encouragement. You may not have to look far. But if not, ask God to show you! He will! Then ask God how they need encouragement – words, acts, touch, gifts or time, and purposefully – Be The Light to them!
Take time with your spouse, another friend, and or your children to talk about how to notice if someone needs encouragement. Perhaps share how you have been encouraged or how God used someone in your family, among your friends at work or school to encourage you and lift your spirit! Sounds like a great conversation starter to me!