The Gift Of Encouragement
Would you rather listen than read? Listen here.
We are in our third week of looking at the spiritual gifts. You can find each of these gifts in Romans 12:6-8. So far, we have looked at the gifts of mercy (you can read mercy here) and prophecy (you can read prophecy here). The most important things to remember about the gifts is that they are from God and meant to further His kingdom. Today, we are going to venture into the gift of encouragement.
“If it is to encourage, then give encouragement.”
Romans 12:8a NIV
Encouragement
During my few years of working in the music department in our local school district, I met a lot of music teachers. Each teacher had their unique style of teaching and all were quite amazing. One teacher I worked for always gave me some kind of encouragement when I walked into her classroom. She taught middle school choir and no matter how her day was going, she would stop to tell you something that would make you smile.
I would sit at my desk and work. The bell would ring and I would watch this teacher go to her door and compliment the students as they walked by. She said things from, “Wow, that’s a cool shirt” to, “I am so glad to see you today.” I even heard her say to one child, “The world is a better place because you are in it.”
This teacher lit up those who listened. We live in a state that ranks second in most suicides per capita, and to watch this precious woman encourage kids, at one of the hardest stages in life, was prolific. Some kids were too cool to accept her words, but I guessed deep down it still made an impact. Everyone needs to know they’re noticed.
We Are Desperate For Encouragement
In a world where the morning news can bring us down, we all, at some level, are desperate for encouragement. We all get busy doing our thing and forget to take notice of those around us. The person walking their dog in front of your house may have just received notice they lost someone close to them. The person who cut you off and waved a certain finger at you may have just lost their job. We never know what is going on in the hearts and minds of those that walk by us.
I once heard a pastor say to always expect a broken heart in every pew. We don’t know what happens behind closed doors. And most people don’t share all the hard details of their lives. So I am thankful for those that live out the gift of encouragement. These people look for ways to bring a smile to someone’s face.
I believe all of us have the ability to share encouragement, but there are some people God gives this gift to and they go above and beyond. Those with this gift often seek out someone to inspire. They pray each day for God to show them who to lift up. They have the courage to reach out to those they don’t know. And they take the time to listen and speak words that bring hope and peace.
Encouragement In The Scriptures
In the scriptures, we see bold characters that needed encouragement too. Joseph was worried when he found out Mary was pregnant with the Messiah. Like any human he worried how he would explain this pregnancy out of wedlock. God knew of his worries and sent an angel to comfort and guide him.
God called Moses to go to Pharoah to request the freedom of the Israelites. Moses did not want to go and gave God every reason he should not go. So God sent Aaron to go along and accompany Moses. Encouraging one another, they boldly went before Pharoah. Over and over in scripture, we see God provide encouragement for His people so they could accomplish His work.
What Encouragement Can Do
I love to encourage others, but have experienced what others’ encouragement can do for me. My running days would have come to a complete halt after my first half marathon. It was harder than I could have imagined and never wanted to run again. But that Christmas, less than a month after the race, Sam bought me all new running gear and reminded me of my goals. As a result, I have medals from thirteen half marathons and twenty full marathons. I never would have thought that was achievable.
I never would have started my blog back up had it not been for three friends encouraging me at a sushi restaurant. And most importantly, I don’t believe I would be teaching right now if it were not for the encouragement of my friend Tricia. She always seems to have the right words when I need them most. Those that are in my online community have encouraged me more than they will ever know.
The Gift Of Encouragement
God gives us this gift because He knows how hard our lives are. He knows we need others to come alongside us and encourage us. Again, we must remember this is not so we will feel better about ourselves, but so that we will live courageously for Him. When we feel encouraged, we can speak to those God puts on our heart. When God nudges us to do something new, we can do it more effectively when we have others encouraging us.
We all need encouraging. We need it even more when we step out in faith with God. I would like to challenge you to ask God if there is someone He would have you encourage today. If there is, go encourage them. I also challenge you that if you believe this is one of your gifts that you ask God to amplify it. I often feel like a broken record when I say this. Before Jesus died, He left us with two commandments. He said to love one another and to go and make disciples of all nations. The gift of encouragement feeds right into these. When you step out in faith and encourage those around you, there are no limits to how God will use you.
A new beautiful fall puzzle from White Mountain Puzzles
