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PROGRAM D-8341
Have you noticed that our worlds are flooded with discouragement? As Christians, we are called to be encouragers. Isaiah 35:3-4 tells us to “Encourage the exhausted and strengthen the feeble. Say to those with anxious heart, ‘Take courage, fear not.’” (NASB) In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another…” (NASB)
I want to encourage you to become a fanatical encourager—a person who intentionally and daily looks for and finds ways to encourage the people in your life. There are so many easy things to do to encourage others—things that don’t cost a penny and take very little time as well. We just need to decide to do them, to remember each day to encourage others.
Become fanatical about speaking simple words of encouragement at every opportunity.
If you think something nice about someone, say those words out loud to that person, if possible. This is an easy habit to cultivate, but you will have to remember to do it every day. This includes your children, your co-workers, your mate—people who are a part of your everyday life but whom we often simply forget to encourage!
Become fanatical about praying for people God puts on your mind, and then tell them!
If you wake up in the middle of the night with someone on your mind, pray for them. If you hear about someone who is in need, pray for them. Then go one step further and tell them that God put them on your heart and you prayed for them. It absolutely could be life-changing for that person.
Become fanatical about writing notes.
I know, handwritten notes are practically a thing of the past. But there is something so special about getting a handwritten note. Buy some notes and stamps and keep them on hand. Then ask God to nudge your spirit when it’s time to send one. Of course email works well, too, as well as e-cards.
Well, those are three very easy things you can do—starting today—and you’ll be on the road to becoming a fanatical encourager. We’ve prepared a set of ten pass-along encouragement cards that I want to send you—provided you will promise to pass along these cards to the people in your life—as God prompts you.