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Devotionals

Ways To Encourage

The old Indian proverb, "You never know how the other person feels until you walk a mile in his moccasins," teaches a valuable lesson.

Everyday pressures can drain people of courage, spirit, and sometimes hope. It is difficult to carry out our responsibilities without hope.

Without courage, we may feel unloved, unwanted, and unnecessary.

While everyone experiences discouragement and anxieties, some people handle them better than others. People who are "on top of it" can provide an important ministry to those who are trying to cope with problems.

Consider some of the following ways to encourage others-inspire, give hope or promise, and uplift.

1. Speak a word of kindness to a quiet, unassuming person who may need a friend.
   
2. Write a note to someone who has blessed you through a song, a smile, a word of encouragement, or a nice gesture toward a member of your family. Express your gratitude.
   
3. Give fresh cut flowers out of your garden to a shut?in to say "you're remembered."
   
4. As a leader, publicly express appreciation to those who help you "make things happen." Don't forget to express appreciation to the women who faithfully attend the Women's Ministries meetings.
   
5. Pray for those who work with you. Call their names before the Lord.
   
6. Let hurting people know you care. A sincere smile and handshake or hug can mean so much.
   
7. Recognize women who are beginning to take active roles in Women's Ministries meetings.
   
8. Acknowledge your devotional speakers' words of encouragement. Let them know your appreciation.
   
9. Be sure to let your pastor, his wife, and family know they are loved and appreciated.
   
10. If someone seems to have failed in a specific task, find something to compliment. This will help soften the blow, and maybe she will be inspired to try again.
    
11. Offer to sit with small children or senior adults who need constant care. This relieves the responsible person and allows for personal time.
    
12. Include single friends in your activities as guests in your home. Visit them occasionally.
    
13. Share some freshly baked cookies or bread with a neighbor.
    
14. Offer to run errands or provide transportation for someone who needs assistance.
    
15. Read aloud to senior adults or record a book for them on cassette. Choose uplifting topics.
    
16. Make telephone calls regularly to those who live alone. Inquire of their welfare. Take time to talk with them. Leave them with a kind word or thought.
    
17. Help an unemployed person find a job. If he or she needs to brush up on skills, offer to help.
    
18. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Many people will not share hurts, problems, and difficulties with others. However, as you listen to the Holy Spirit, He can direct your actions and words to help those in need.

Encouraging others is a two?way street. As you give out to others, you begin to feel strength and hope for yourself. What you give usually returns to you.

If you find yourself a victim of discouragement, remember King David in 1 Samuel 30:6, "But David found strength in the Lord his God." Prayer and Bible reading always lifts us up and gives us hope!