Everyone wants to be encouraged. In fact, everyone needs to be encouraged. We as women, often times carry around the weight of our jobs, our families, the household burdens and so much goes unseen. In the midst of juggling so much, their is a need for an encouraging word. A child who struggles in school will either believe the worst of themselves after being constantly criticized or will light up when someone takes the time to encourage them through their day. Encouragement is not empty flattery or silly positivity. It is the deliberate act of instilling courage into someone else’s heart and mind.
Proverbs 12:25 — “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Words have weight; they either build up the home and community or add to an already heavy load. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” says Proverbs 18:21. We can either build up the spirit of another or cut it down.
There are obvious blessings in receiving an encouraging word. You feel seen, known, and valued by God through His people. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” That sense of being seen can be so empowering! It may give you just the boost to help you finish a task or stay consistent with reaching a goal. Likewise, you can also receive blessing when you are the giver of the encouragement. As you shift your perspective away from self, you will decrease your own stress. Encouraging others causes the mind to focus on gratitude and off of scarcity.
2 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously".
When we sow and water words of encouragement in others lives, we also will be replenished in our own spirit. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
In the New Testament, a man named Joseph was renamed to Barnabas, which literally means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36; Acts 9:26–27; Acts 15:36–39). Barnabas stood beside Paul, recently converted, and vouched for his credibility and authenticity of salvation when the churc in Jerusalem were fearful of him. He later showed love to John Mark when even Paul would not take him on a missionary journey. We later hear Paul praising the work of John Mark. Perhaps it was Barnabas’ encouragement that helped John Mark persevere during hardship. Being an encourager often means being a safe person, emotionally and spiritually. Someone willing to give a second chance and being generous with grace.
In the Old Testament we see in Exodus 17:11-13, Aaron and Hur standing beside Moses’ and holding up his hands. Through the battle, Moses became weary and as his arms would slump, the Israelites would begging to lose. Aaron and Hur not only ensured the battle to be one that day, but also showed how encouragement can sometimes be physical and quiet. Coming along side someone and be present in their time of hardship even quietly is a way to be an encourager.
Jesus is our ultimate example of being an encourager. Human encouragement is sweet, but earthly wells run dry unless tethered to the One who conquered the world.
John 16:33 — “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16–17 — “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
Challenge yourself to identify one person this week to encourage. Write them a note, send a text or speak an encouraging word over them. Pray and ask God to send you those that may need encouragement and likewise ask God for the words that He would have you speak over their lives. Have your eyes open to be an encourager to those around you today, Remember that when you do this, you are mirroring the heart of Christ!