Do you have the courage to ENcourage those around you? Do you ever feel like God is pushing you to share an uplifting thought or word? Often it takes courage to step forward and lift someone up, but why? Is it because we are afraid of how they might respond? Afraid we might sound stupid? Sometimes I just feel like someone else could do a better job, I hope God would convict someone else in that moment to share what he has put on my heart because I’m sure I will mess it all up. In those moments we should trust that God is fully capable of using us to fulfill his purposes. It is a challenge to listen and obey his promptings; I am guilty of not always following through. God keeps showing me though that it doesn’t take much to actually encourage someone. Everyone has moments of despair and hopelessness, what if we could be the still small voice that breaks through the darkness and shows them that they have worth. I desperately want others around me not to feel the desperation that overwhelms me at times. This is the driving force that pushes me to reach out to comfort and encourage others when I lack confidence. Even if you don’t feel like you do this very well, others are drawn to your hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up 

In a few small group situations I have shared my hesitancy to reach out and encourage others in specific circumstances. Encouragement is a gift of the spirit  which I do believe God has placed within me to inspire others. When God prompts me to uplift someone in some little way I literally can’t think straight until I share that encouagement. People that I don’t even remember encouraging have told me how powerful what I said was to them….only through the grace of God do I get out of my own way so that God can accomplish his mission. I know God didn’t wire everyone with the gift of encouragement and you should seek after whatever gifts or talents he has blessed you with to further God’s kingdom, but I do feel like we are all capable of encouraging others.

Romans 12:4-8 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

This world seems so dark sometimes, I personally am challenging myself to find new ways to encourage people throughout my day, even if it is only a compliment. Today I was on my way out of Costco when the woman in the car next to me motioned for me to roll my window down. She told me how much she loved the big sticker on the back of my truck that says “To God be the Glory”. Sometimes it is a bit intimidating to be a Christian in our divisive culture today and I wasn’t expecting a compliment. The fact that she took the time to stop and tell me that was honestly the highlight of my day. It was SO appreciated and so simple. We can all do something as tiny as that and hopefully much more given the opportunity. As Christians we need to be the light to those around us. A light that cannot be explained. A light that draws people closer to God. I am challenging myself in this, will you join me?

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Let’s all get creative about how we can encourage those around us. A smile, hello and how are you is easy enough. Let’s strive to go beyond that though. A unique compliment. Do you text or call people that God puts on your heart? I used to ignore these promptings, but on a couple different occassions I called someone at just the moment they were walking into the ER and was able to pray with them. They were so astonished that I would call right at the moment that they desperately needed prayer and comfort. I know how important it is to listen to those promptings now! On my business counter, I recently put out a small chalkboard with scripture written on it and scriptures they could take with them. How could you show the love of God to those around you and make their day brighter?

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.