The Apostle Paul instructed in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
One of the easiest ways to shine your light is to encourage those around you. Think about it. You don’t need money or time to positively affect others with words. We have hundreds of interactions with other people each week. If we used each of those interactions as an opportunity to spread positivity, think of the difference we could make!
Humans are social beings. Introvert or extrovert, we all like and need interaction with others to some extent. In today’s polarized society, there are lines drawn by politics, religion, social circles and culture. What would happen if we spread kindness instead of hostility and anger? What if we were to follow the example of Jesus by reaching across those divisive lines and using our words to lift one another up, no matter which side they are on?
Encouragement is powerful. It can change the culture of a workplace. It can bring hope, joy and confidence. It can change someone’s attitude. It can prevent a negative event. It can change the direction of a life.
Jesus tells us in Mark 12 that the greatest commandment is to love God, but the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Encouragement is an excellent way to love our neighbors.
Our neighbors are more than just the people living beside us. They are the grocery store clerk, the homeless woman and the Corvette-driving old man who took the parking spot you were patiently waiting for. They are our spouse and our children. Our neighbors are the people we interact with on any given day by phone, in person or on Facebook. God wants us to love those people–even the seemingly unlovable ones. Maybe especially the unlovable ones.
Here are a few tips and reminders to become more intentional about encouragement:
Practice humility. I love C.S. Lewis’s definition: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” When we think of ourselves less, we are better able to resist irritation when things don’t go exactly as we think they should. Instead, we have more capacity to empathize with others and notice when someone needs encouragement.
Listen not only to words, but to body language and tone. When you ask someone how they are doing and receive the automated “Fine” response, their tone of voice and body language will be clues as to how they are really doing. Listen for a despondent or sarcastic tone. Look for hunched shoulders or crossed arms. Those are neighbors who need some love and kind words.
Look for opportunities to encourage someone. Sometimes this means we have to step outside of our comfort zone. Sometimes this means that we have to look up from our phones while we’re waiting and have a conversation with someone. The more we seek and act on these opportunities that God gives us, the easier it becomes.
Follow the Lord’s request. When we feel we need to speak a kind word to someone, this is often the Spirit moving in us. Act on the feeling, even if it is uncomfortable. God weaves beautiful stories through the people we interact with and His timing is perfect. He wants to use us to shine for Him.
Encourage family most of all. Let’s give the ones closest to us the kindest words instead of the harshest. It is so easy to have the least patience and the most exasperation with those we love most. Instead of controlling and criticizing, let’s intentionally find ways to lift up our loved ones. When we use sincere, kind words to encourage positive behavior, we strengthen and love our family in the best possible way.
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Don’t ignore the opportunity to brighten someone’s day. What a shame to withhold a blessing because we are too “busy” scrolling Instagram to have a conversation, or because it might feel awkward to say hello. Pay attention to the people around you. Greet them with a smile. Be sincere. Let’s use encouraging words to love our neighbors as the Lord has commanded.
Lord, thank you for the people in our lives. We know you have carefully planned for them to cross paths with us for a reason. Please strengthen us to reflect your love and kindness to them. Help us humbly serve you by encouraging them. Amen.
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