The Power of Encouragement: Strengthening the Hearts of Those Around Us
As I sat staring at the text message from my weary friend, I knew I had to respond with more than just a sympathetic ear. She was desperate for a good word, something to lift her spirits and give her the strength to face another day. And in that moment, I realized the importance of encouragement.
Encouragement is not just a feeling or a sentiment; it’s a deliberate act of support and confidence. It’s a reminder that we are not alone, that someone believes in us and is willing to stand with us through the ups and downs of life. As Christians, we are called to be encouragers, to strengthen the hearts of those around us and help them stand firm in their faith.
But how do we do this? How do we become better encouragers?
Tip 1: Notice and Step into Pain
Don’t ignore or overlook discouragement in others, even when it makes you feel uncomfortable. Choose to notice and step into their pain and suffering. Paul begins his letter to the church in Thessalonica by assuring them that he gives thanks to God always, constantly mentioning them in his prayers before God because of their work of faith and labor of love and their steadfast hope in Jesus.
Tip 2: Provide Support and Confidence
Encouragement is meant to strengthen the heart so that we will stand firm, take heart, and be built together in the faith. For this is the will of God for your sanctification. Without encouragement, hearts grow weary. With encouragement, God strengthens his saints to stand firm and take heart as they are made more and more like him in holiness.
Tip 3: Be Patient and Gentle
As fellow recipients of God’s grace through Christ, we must be patient with the weary just as God has been patient with us. Paul writes that we are to “admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak.” But specifically, he exhorts us to “be patient with them all.”
Tip 4: Offer Pure and Gentle Words
Paul’s words are careful and cautious as he encourages believers. He assured the Thessalonians that he was not lying, deceiving, or attempting to be a people pleaser. He didn’t come with words of flattery or with a pretext for greed. He didn’t even seek glory from people. Instead, he was intentionally gentle among the believers, “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”
Tip 5: Comfort with the Comfort You’ve Received
When believers share in Christ, we also share in a common comforter. Christians encourage best by sharing words and promises of Christ’s comfort. This is why Paul is filled with comfort in affliction and overflowing with joy because “God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us.”
Tip 6: Encourage Mutually
Encouraging others is mutually beneficial. We learn as we are able to successfully strengthen and hearten others, and even as we make mistakes. We become better encouragers through the process of providing and receiving encouragement.
Tip 7: Seek the Spirit’s Help
Finally, ask the Spirit to humble you and allow you to see and meet the needs of others who are discouraged. Patiently, gently build up to strengthen and comfort the body of Christ with the good news of God’s trustworthy promises.
In the end, encouragement is not just about making others feel better; it’s about strengthening their hearts and helping them stand firm in their faith. May we strive to become better encouragers, relying on the Spirit’s help and guidance as we seek to uplift and support those around us.
Leave a Reply