Friday, November 8, 2024

Romans 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Just as God offers encouragement to us, we have the opportunity to encourage others. It can take many forms, but in general, it involves saying the right words, at the right time, in the right way.

How can you be an encouragement to others?

Below are five ideas to help you get started. Choose one below, or use these ideas as a springboard: 

• Speak life to a friend or colleague. What is a quality you recognize and admire in them? Share this with them! It’s even more powerful when you mention it right as you experience it.
• Tell your supervisor, pastor, or other leader how much you appreciate them. If they are challenging, ask God to help show you a good quality in their personality, and let them know it is something you think highly of.
• Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Being heard by someone is a precious gift and offers incredible encouragement. How can you lend a listening ear today?
• Remind the people you love how much they matter to you. Tell your spouse, friend, or family member how much they mean to you and how they add value to your life. We all like to hear we are loved and appreciated.
• Pray for someone when they share a hurt or burden. It’s wonderful to pray for them in the days to come as well, but it’s a blessing to do so right in the moment.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the love and encouragement you provide us each day through your Word and those you surround us with. Lord, today, help me be a light for Christ to others by offering an encouraging word and reminding others of this facet of your character. Help me to lift others up through my words, so they may come to know you better. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, the Director of the LivingItOut.