1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
In the busyness of our daily lives it is easy to become self-absorbed and focused on our own needs and concerns but scripture implores us to encourage one another. Encouragement makes it easier to live holy in a sinful world. Therefore, it is important to be deliberate in finding ways to encourage and lift others up.
Without encouragement, we can be become overwhelmed and feel unloved. There are several ways to encourage others that take little time and effort.
Be a good listener
Sometimes people don’t need profound advice, rather they just need a listening ear.
Give the gift of your time
Our life is made up of time, and time is a gift from God, so it is important that it be used in fruitful ways. Whether you are offering your time to babysit for a single parent, talking over a hot cup of tea with a lonely neighbor or visiting a nursing home, time is a precious gift of encouragement.
Be willing to pass on your wisdom
Regardless of your age or status in life, each of us have gone through trials and seasons where we learned something that we can impart to another person for God’s glory.
Share your gifts and talents
God equips each of us in a unique way to encourage others. Perhaps, it’s your gift of cooking or baking that you can use to encourage a family experiencing a time of illness. Maybe you are a builder by trade and could provide much needed home repairs for a family struggling financially. Whatever God has blessed you with, be willing to bless others.
Offer a word of encouragement
Words have the ability to tear down or build up. Use your words to inspire and encourage others thereby advancing the kingdom of God.
The Gospel is God’s gift to you, what you do with it is your gift to God. Encouragement from the bible gives hope and can help others move from a place of despair to abundant life. So, be bold in sharing the gospel and your personal life story.
Your life is your message to the world – make sure it is inspiring.
