Active encouragement. I long to become a person who actively seeks out people who are hurting, lonely, or with low self-esteem. I want to build, stir, and lift people up so that they feel less depressed. Less stressed. More hopeful.
Maybe you do too.
“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” I Thessalonians 5:11 The Message
How can we reach out to the people in our family, church, and community with hope and love?
- Point out the talents and goodness of others. Many people undervalue themselves and feel they are nothing special. Encouragers point out their value.
- Focus on the goals and dreams of others. Many people are almost afraid to set goals and dream because of their past. Encouragers ask about dreams and goals, then inspire and assist in reaching them
- Meet physical needs. Does your neighbor need food, house, yard work, or more pressing needs? Check on people and either find a way to assist or point out a direction to find aid.
- Being present. In this day of technological distractions, it’s often hard to find someone who will set their phone, work, or day aside to simply listen. Part of being an encourager is the willingness to be fully present in a given situation with an open ear, mind, and heart.
Nothing thrills my heart more than when a person gives me their undivided attention. I’ve been guilty of only half-listening to people as I formulate my reply in my mind, instead of focusing on what they’re saying, I’m caught up in what I want to say, what I want to get across, my agenda. And if you’ve picked up on that when we’ve talked in the past, I’m truly sorry.
It takes great effort to change a ‘me’ focus to an ‘we’ focus. But I’m willing to learn. First, I lay down my phone, work, or anything else aside. I try to make eye contact and focus on the words of others, not my own words. Second, I put myself in their place. How would I feel if this were happening to me? What encouragement would I need? Then I do something. Maybe a nod or a word is enough. Or I might need to add a more active form of inspiration. Do I need to follow up with more motivation or point out a path that will lead to more help than I can give?
As much as we’d like to, we can’t be everywhere for everyone. But God can. The years since 2020 have been so overwhelming for many people, and at times, we all feel hopeless as the needs around us multiply. We can easily burn out if we try to meet them all.
Let’s try to be sensitive to active ways to encourage others, but also realize that only God can meet each person where they are. I’ve learned to stop feeling overwhelmed and take a moment to pray for those I can’t personally touch.
Because I know that God can.
How can you become a better listener? A more active encourager? Share your thoughts below…
