Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Loving others includes encouraging one another. Paul lists encouragement among the gifts of grace in Romans 12:7-8. When people accomplish a common objective together, all are encouraged. Fellow believers encourage one another to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The gift of encouragement is important in our lives. Wherever we find ourselves- in the home, the workplace, the church, out and about in the world around us, encouragement is a gift! We can come alongside others and be there for one another. We can listen, comfort, console, affirm. It’s a way of living out the command to love one another. Not just with fellow believers but with anyone that we might come in contact with. I believe we should look for opportunities to encourage others, whether it be a small act of kindness, just a smile or a simple “Hi, how are you doing today?”.
Take time to recall the people who’ve been encouragers in your life. They’re the ones who were there when you thought you’d never laugh again, They were the ones who listened to you: whereas others just talked. Then ask yourself, “When was the last time I encouraged someone?” It’s not difficult, and the people you encourage are so blessed by it.
I personally find that if I take the time to encourage others then it also encourages me!
Try it/act on it and you both will be blessed!
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Jerri Landers