One of my frequent prayers is that God will make me an encourager, one who refreshes others, as we read in Proverbs 11. An encourager is not a person who just happened to be born that way. No, an encourager is one who makes encouraging a high priority, and thinks of ways to encourage others. It is a directive given to us in many passages of Scripture, so as Christians we have a responsibility to become encouragers.
What are some things we can do to encourage other people? Well, sincere compliments are one good way. I dare say if you took a count in a given day, you would discover that you had several complimentary thoughts about someone. You liked someone’s new dress or haircut, or you thought a project was well done. But the question is, did you say it? If you just passed on verbally the compliments that you think already, you’d be surprised how quickly you’d become an encourager.
Recently I walked into an office and the receptionist had a smile that lit up the whole room. And that was exactly what I thought when I looked at her. So, I felt that little nudge saying to me, "Tell her how much you like her smile," and I said, "Do you know that you have a really terrific smile?" Well, of course she smiled even more, but I was simply verbalizing what I had thought and it became an encouragement.
A second way to encourage is to keep some notes and cards handy at home and at work and get in the habit of writing little notes when you want to encourage someone. Or, of course, you can use email notes. How I treasure those unexpected notes that I get from time to time. Try it.
When you find yourself thinking those kind of thoughts about friends, family, spiritual leaders, co-workers, don’t lose that opportunity to express those encouraging thoughts to them, either verbally or in writing.
Birthday and anniversary cards are really good ways to encourage. Mark your calendar with all the special days and then discipline yourself to check your calendar weekly and send out the cards.
Who do you need to write to today? What phone call should you make to encourage someone? Don’t put it off. Determine to become an encourager.
Our 25th Annual Weekend Getaway – The Life You Were Meant to Live – is April 19-21, 2013. Kay Arthur is our Special Guest Speaker. This will be a conference you won’t want to miss. For more information or a brochure call 630-462-0552 or go to our website at: www.christianworkingwoman.org.