Encouragement - What, How, Why & WhoShembull

 

Be an encourager

One of the most powerful things we can do for a friend, colleague, child or spouse is to be an Encourager.

In a rather chilling confrontation, Job challenges his friends with these words:
4 I also could speak like you, if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you.
5 But my mouth would encourage you;
comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

We live in a challenging perfectionistic society where we are in a quest for "zero defect." (We call it the "Rat Race") We are surrounded with an overwhelming number of fake and often unrealistic finish lines: "If you drive this car, live at this address or socialise with these people, then you have won the race. (Oh, by the way, congratulations, you are the King Rat!")

In the light of these circumstances, it is not unusual for people to feel irrelevant, overwhelmed, discouraged and depressed. But when challenges and setbacks come in people's lives we can be encouragers. Here are a few kinds of encouragement we can offer:

• "You're doing a great job even though you think no one notices."
• "Don't worry, you may have missed it this time, but you can try again"
• "I really believe you can do it - even if you don't believe in yourself"
• "Great Job! Thanks for the hard work!"
• "I know it's a big challenge, but I'm praying for you"
• "You're not alone - I'll be here for you!"
• "I will always love you! It doesn't matter if you try and fail."

And you can probably think of more. The secret is to find ways to encourage our loved ones with notes, calls, cards, verses, emails and sms's. A pat on the back, a word of recognition, prayer support and a look that says "I believe in you!" can radically transform people.

In a society where people are quick to criticise and condemn, let's let our mouths speak differently.