Giving the Gift of Encouragement
Is there someone in your life that has the Gift of Encouragement?
Your time spent with that person is refreshing to your soul, and a boost to your day?
Are their words uplifting and edifying?
Do you marvel at their ability to keep the focus off of their own lives and they have that amazing “knack” to bring the conversation always back to you?
I know of very people like this.
Throughout my life, I can count only on two hands the number of people that genuinely practice the Gift of Encouragement… and it has been a challenge to me to let this be a reminder that we, ourselves don’t need to be looking for the Encourager in our Lives, but, better yet,,
BE the ENCOURAGER.
Perhaps we don’t know where to begin if we find ourselves lacking in this area of the heart?
Can you imagine a life of harsh words, negative feedback for everything that you do, no one to love you, and an absence of the positive?
I know people that live this life.
And, if I were to ask,, you would say the same.
It has been my joy to share encouragement to others and find the reaction of Hope, Faith renewed, and reciprocated Joy in return.
Try this…You will be amazed when you are not waiting for the Encouragers in your life to exist, and take a heart change and BE The Encourager, you will be so blessed.
Engage these Simple.. Yet very Purposeful Steps of Being the Encourager, and find the ministry that Christ Himself urges us to follow.
1.) WORDS – Speak a word to or for the other person – Words can heal, help others, and change their hearts. Speak to them with edification and love. Be Genuine.
2.) PRAY – Supplication- Take the name of the people in your lives with a genuine love and sincere heart of prayer. Share with them that you care about them andhave asked the Holy Spirit to minister to them.
3.) ACTIONS – A visible means of action or sign of encouragement will concrete the true meaning of your sincerity to others. Stand with them in the face of adversity. Be there- in person. Our presence will speak louder than words.
4.) PERSPECTIVE – Help your friends/family to see beyond the present circumstances. This is hard for all of us. A vision to see what lies ahead with God’s comfort, grace, and desire to use us for His glory, will help be an encouragement to the most discouraged.
5.) SET THE EXAMPLE – Bottom line here –DON”T be the Discourager. Christ’s Kingdom needs a constant pursuing from those that wish to bring Him Glory, rather than the constant worry, idle chatter of our woes, and self-centeredness of being the only one in existence with a “bad day.”
Perhaps you can ask yourself:
Where do I lie in the Grand Scheme of Encouragement?
Have I been laying a foundation in Scripture that fills my heart to Overwhelming Over -flow of the God’s Goodness?
About September McCarthy
I love to be encouraged (loved) and I always want to encourage others. Thank you for YOUR encouragement today!
Great post today September. I love to encourage and to be encouraged. I love your practical steps to action- thanks for sharing today!
BEautiful post. I really try to be an encourager in my face-to-face interactions and on my Facebook page and blog, too
I do this, even though I don’t get the encouragement that I feel I need sometimes!!! It’s not just about me, but it’s about loving God and the people around me…and love is a verb and an outward action…at least, that’s what I notice when I read my Bible…but I really do try to be an encourager to everyone around me 
Love this, September! So thankful for the many who have poured into my life. Especially some dear senior adult women in our previous church who consistently asked what I was writing and how they could pray for me. What a blessing!
My job now? To be intentional about pouring into others.
Oh, this post speaks to my heart! I love to encourage others (and be encouraged), it is honestly my passion to see others lifted up. But the Lord has been talking to me about taking that to the next level. To learn what it really means to extend grace and His love to those around me. Without Him, I can be selfish and often get into the “where is MY encouragement?!” that you mentioned. It steals so much and joy is lost. It is also easy to get wrapped in my own life and pass up opportunities to bless others – and in turn be blessed myself!
I’ve been praying lately for a heart transformation. This post was so timely, so thank you for being His vessel! YOU are such an encourager to many, sweet friend!
Thank you for this encouraging post today. Encouragement is something that I value and an area I want to continue to grow in. Thanks for sharing specific ways we can become better at offering encouragement to others.
September, in the short time I’ve known you, I can tell you are a great encourager – because you have encouraged me. Keep it up sister! Thanks for the wonderful advice.
Thank you so much for this beautiful post, September. I want to choose this–be this–for Him. Gratefully, Jennifer
I would equate the encourager to the person with that infectious personality that just makes you happy to be around. I strive for that, I used people I’ve seen with the attributes, and I try to emulate. The big word there is TRY…
This was just what I needed to hear today! I’m so thankful for the encouragers in my life who speak words of love, grace and support. A few kind words can go such a long way to brighten someone’s day! Thank you, September!
Hi September,
I often sing in the shower…and one of the songs is…”Make Me A Blessing”…(to someone today). I want to be an encourager…and to spread the love of Jesus. I want to have a meek and quiet spirit…and when dealing with people I want to be a good listener. I am not always able to be this way…but I am finding that when I whisper silent prayers for God’s help when I am trying to minister… He does help me to produce the Fruit of the Spirit.
When I am trying to do it of my own power I mostly fail! I remember the verse that says “ye have not because ye ask not!” And that reminds me to ask for His strength in ministry.
Thank YOU for the encouragement today! It is a wonderful thing to be a selfless friend! We should remember this in ALL our relationships
Thanks for sharing!