“And let us consider how we may spur (encourage) one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews‬ ‭10:24‬

Encouragement is so powerful. It can change a bad day into a good one, replace negative thoughts with positive vibes and generally help a person feel better about themselves. Encouraging words truly have the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life. Encouragement can give someone boldness and courage to achieve something they never thought possible. Encouragement has the ability to influence a person and boost their confidence. Encouragement will validate a person when they are feeling vulnerable or unessential. Perhaps most importantly encouragement can help someone see themselves in a positive light. Quite often we are so hard on ourselves to the point we only see our flaws and imperfections often overlooking our positive attributes, if we see them at all. Having someone come alongside us to speak positive, life giving, encouraging words can be essential in stopping negative self talk and seeing ourselves in a more positive light. It also gives us a glimpse into how God sees us. It can be the glorious boost we need to achieve the plans God has for our lives. Therefore speak life every time you open your mouth, every chance you get, with everyone you meet. Be the seed of positive influence to their change of perspective.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing' 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Don’t over think it, encouragement doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. The best encouragement is spontaneous sincere and heartfelt. Keep it simple and sincere. A word given at just the right moment can make the difference in helping a person feel loved valued and empowered, lifting the receiver to higher sense of self-worth. Encouragers help lessen the the heavy load of weariness and ease the burden of life’s struggles.

An encourager sees potential in others and cheers them on with words of affirmation:

• You can do it, I believe in you.

• You are doing a great job.

• You always follow through with your commitment.

• Thank you.

• Wow, you look amazing. Is that a new haircut.

• I love how your mind works, you always come up with the best solutions to a problem.

• You have an amazing smile, it lights up your face and makes everyone around you happy.

• You’re so easy to be around because you are always so happy.

• You give the best hugs, just like my mum/dad.

• I learn so much from you, you are smart and wise.

• I feel so lucky to know you. You are always so gracious and humble in all situations. I’ve learned a lot from you.

• You are always kind to everyone.

• You have a servants heart.

• You are a committed, loyal and hard worker.

• I love that we’re friends. You’re a brilliant friend.

“We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

You don’t have to know people to encourage them. You can encourage a stranger. Smile, be kind, say please and thank you. Use words of affirmation; you’re doing an amazing job, you’re so proficient at ‘that’. Thank you for holding the door. Look people in the eye when you speak with them. Be sincere and pleasant. Stop rushing through life oblivious to those around you. Take time to look at people, really look at them. The mum with three kiddos who looks tired and harried. Smile at her, tell her she’s doing a marvelous job raising those three beautiful kiddos. The elderly person out shopping who looks a bit lost, ask if you can help them. To the teenager that lacks self esteem tell them how handsome or pretty they are., smile and tell them God loves them.

Just smile….just be kind….just see, really see your fellow human beings.. I truly believe from little seeds of encouragement can come a mighty harvest of souls.

All encouragement breathes life into the weary soul. Take a moment to pray for who needs your encouragement today and give them a call, tell them how much you love them, why you appreciate them, let them know what they mean to you, thank them for something they’ve recently done for you, be as specific as you can.

Let someone know God loves them by sending a scripture a prayer or an encouraging note. Let’s be the best encouragers we can be so we may shine God’s 💗 into the world.

I am praying for each one of you today. Thanking God for crossing our paths. Asking him to surround you with the peace, love and favour only he can give. Praying he answer your prayers and grant you the desires of your heart. I pray you overflow with the power of Gods love. May he richly bless you and your families. Praying everything you put you hand to be prosperous and fruitful. That wherever you go and whatever you do whoever you meet you will be met with kindness and love and that you are forever surrounded by God’s favour and that you always know how much He truly loves you and is always encouraging you on. Amen.