EncouragementSample

Encouragement - the giving of courage

An old legendary story has the archangel Michael stripping the devil of all his powers. The devil pleads with Michael to leave him just one power with which to tempt human beings. This was agreed, and the one power kept by Satan was discouragement.

Because discouragement is so common and debilitating, encouragement is so necessary and helpful. When we encourage one another, we give one another the strength and will to do what needs to be done. The overarching goal of encouragement is to keep focused on the faithfulness of God rather than any presenting threat.

We encourage by praying for others, and wherever possible, letting them know we’re praying for them. We encourage by the words we speak. It’s been said that we need ten encouraging words for every discouraging word spoken to us. Encouraging words are those that aim to build up and offer courage and hope for that person. And that doesn’t mean mere niceness: constructive rebuke can be an encouragement.

But encouragement is more than words. It involves actions. A person facing a medical procedure can be encouraged by our words, but they may also be encouraged by our offering to drive them to and from hospital. Sometimes, simply turning up and being present is a sufficient encouragement.

Make it a priority to be such an encouraging person. Be remembered not as a whining critic, an idle gossip, a peddler of pious platitudes. Be remembered as one who gives courage.

Written by DAVID REAY