Be Liberal with Encouragement

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. –1 Thessalonians 5:11

Mark Twain once said, “I can live two months on one good compliment.” People need your praise and affirmation. Be liberal with your gift of encouragement and always be on the lookout for opportunities to lift someone’s spirits.

A woman in my church has a ministry of affirmation. She must have stock in the local stationery store because she is always writing affirming notes. I save those notes and I’ve received eight this year! Her willingness to praise someone for a job well done or encourage a person who needs a moment of inspiration has given my friend a profound ministry. She’ll probably never give a sermon, write a book, or be famous, but I guarantee you that in God’s eyes her notes of encouragement are more powerful than almost any sermon you’ve ever heard.

Is there someone in your life who needs a little affirmation and praise? What better gift to give them than the gift of encouragement!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What effect does encouragement have in a person’s life?

2. Today, give encouragement to someone who needs it. Try writing them a note, giving them a phone call, or baking them a fresh batch of cookies.

FURTHER READING:
Ephesians 4:29

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Jim Burns

Jim Burns is the president of HomeWord. He speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has close to 2 million resources in print in 20 languages. He primarily writes and speaks on the values of HomeWord, which are: Strong Marriages, Confident Parents, Empowered Kids, and Healthy Leaders. Some of his most popular books are: Confident Parenting, The Purity Code, Creating an Intimate Marriage, Closer, and Doing Life with Your Adult Children. Jim and his wife, Cathy, live in Southern California and have three grown daughters, Christy, Rebecca, and Heidi; three sons-in-law, Steve and Matt, and Andy; and three grandchildren, James, Charlotte and Huxley.

  • About HomeWord

    HomeWord helps families succeed by creating Biblical resources that build strong marriages, confident parents, empowered kids and healthy leaders. Founded by Jim Burns, HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches. Learn More »

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