Be An Encourager

Be an Encourager

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

We all remember the old joke, “How do you know if a politician is lying? His lips are moving.” A serious twist on that classic is this quip: “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? She is breathing.”

In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul shares the importance of encouragement among them and in the world they have been called to reach. He encourages the believers to remember this responsibility of their faith in Christ.

Paul’s letter is as relevant and pertinent today as it was when he wrote it. The world of people both inside and outside the church is vast and growing. Day-to-day living is tough and getting tougher. The economy always seems to be one bad stock market plunge away from trouble. And somewhere out there someone needs a lift to get through the trouble. The number of people who need a word of encouragement and a lift in their lives is growing. It is our duty to be that voice and hand of encouragement to everyone we meet.

To get us started, let me suggest that we do something together in the next few weeks. Think about all the friends and extended family you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. Make a list of ten of those people. Then, within the next week, call each of them to catch up on each other’s lives and in particular to find out how they are doing.

As you close the conversation, ask if there is anything you can do for them or anything you can pray about for them. I’ve become more intentional about doing that lately. If they are bold enough to mention something, be ready to do it. Then check in with them again in a month.

Once you begin with people you know, expand your sphere of encouragement. Get to know people you run into on a regular basis: the grocery store cashier, the server at your favorite restaurant, your hairdresser or mechanic. Begin with a smile and small talk, but be prepared if God wants you to do more. You can also volunteer with organizations whose primary purpose is to minister to people in need such as food pantries, programs for the homeless, and relief missions.

Uncommon Key > Everyone, everywhere, needs encouragement on a regular basis. Start with people you know and add to your list.