1 Thessalonians 5:11-14(KJV)
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Ever had a horrible day, week, or month for that matter, and just thought to yourself, "I could really use some encouragement right now"? It is our Christian duty to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." If you feel this way, so does somebody else! We are commanded to be an encouragement to other people.
Many times in the Bible, we come across stories of Jesus or His followers helping and encouraging those in need. Even when some people didn't "deserve" the help they received, it was willingly given.
In Hebrews 10:24, the Bible reminds us to love each other and do good unto them.
Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Have you ever wanted to encourage someone, but weren’t quite sure what to do for them? Here are a few ideas of ways to encourage someone:
1. Write them a card or simple note
2. Give them a hug!
3. Give them a small gift (I like to make notes when someone mentions something they like)
a. Their favorite candy, dessert, drink
b. Something they collect
c. A gift card to a favorite restaurant or store
d. Their favorite lotion, perfume, or candle
e. A fun pen they can use and think of you every time they use it!
f. A notebook or journal with a note from you in the cover
g. A magazine or book on a topic they like (Gardening, guns, Christian living, etc.)
4. Send them a text and tell them you're thinking about them and praying for them!
5. Treat them to coffee, breakfast, lunch, or dinner
6. Send them a song or scripture of encouragement to match the situation they are going through. Below are just a few examples of the thousands of amazing options….
a. Isaiah 41:10- Dealing with Fear
b. "I Can Trust Jesus" by the Collingsworth Family
c. Psalm 145:14- Discouragement
d. Romans 8:28- Trusting God’s Will
e. “You Are For Me” and “I Am Not Alone” by Kari Jobe- feeling alone/betrayed
f. I’d love to hear your suggestions of songs or verses that encourage you in the comment section below!
7. Post a picture of you and that person on social media and brag about them, letting them and those who see it know how much they mean to you and how amazing they are. (Be careful with this one, as some people wouldn't prefer this method.)
8. Find something to compliment them on, no matter how small!
Here are some good reasons to encourage someone and some ideas of how to encourage them for the occasion:
1. A loved one passed away, or it is the anniversary of their passing
a. Send them flowers, cards, Edible Arrangements, or even just a simple text saying that you're praying for them.
2. Make a big deal about their birthday… it's THEIR day!
a. Buy them balloons
b. Buy them a piece of cake
3. Celebrating an Anniversary
a. Send them flowers!
b. Get the couple a gift card to their favorite restaurant or resort
4. New Home Owners
a. Get them a gift card to a store with cute decorations (Hobby Lobby, etc.) or to a store to help out with all their renovations (Lowes, Home Depot, etc.)
5. Friends going on a long awaited, exciting vacation.
a. Puzzle books
b. Books, magazines
c. A journal to write down the day's memories
Here are some examples of people who usually need encouragement on a daily basis:
1. College Students
a. Send them a card or care package
b. Let them know you're praying for them during finals
2. The sick/elderly
a. Send them a card or flowers
b. Pay them a visit!
3. People who move away from home
a. Send them items with their "home state" on it to remind them of home
b. Care packages are so fun!
4. Missionaries
a. They constantly need our support and prayers. Send them a card, or provide for them if you are able.
5. Pastors
a. Daily fighting the devil and trying to help people in the church can be exhausting. Give your pastor a gift card to his favorite restaurant.
b. Write him a card and let him know you're praying for him.
6. People in the ministry
a. Any ministry can be a little tough to deal with sometimes. Don't hesitate to thank people in the ministries at your church with a card or note of encouragement.
7. Discouraged/Stressed friends and family
a. Maybe a friend or family member is going through a particularly stressful or discouraging time. Be there for them when they need you.
b. Treat them to coffee or lunch, and be a good listener.
8. People who accomplish something big
a. New job/Promotion
b. Important part in a production/project
c. Graduation/Certification
9. People in our Military or going through Boot Camp
a. This can be a very trying time for them. Send them a card with scripture on a regular basis, and send them a care package when able to do so. They can use all the encouragement they can get!
You have to remember that you never know what people are going through in life. Even if you come across someone who is very nasty to you, or doesn't want to smile on a particular day, treat them well and pay them a compliment. They could be going through a rough time, so be there for them.
Now that you have several ideas on who, when, and how to encourage somebody, I want to conclude this blog post by challenging you to encourage AT LEAST one person a week. Better yet, encourage someone every day! Hebrews 3:13 says, "But exhort one another daily, while it is called today..." The easiest people to encourage, but often the most forgotten, are our own family and friends that we see on a regular basis. So I challenge you to encourage someone today, and someone at least once a week. You will find that encouraging other people will encourage your heart as well.