E is for Encouragement

E is for encouragement

Meaning: en·cour·age  (n-kûrj, -kr-) the act of giving hope or support to someone

Other words for encouragement: help, nurture, foster, cheer, spur on, feed.

A little encouragement goes a long way.  A few gentle kind words or a listening ear can have the power to remove dark storm clouds and replace them with rays of sunshine. Wherever possible, offer encouragement to others, we may never know the magnitude of our words but to another, our words may be more valuable than gold.


A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.  
Proverbs 25:11


Here are a few ways to offer encouragement.
  • Offer praise for ordinary accomplishments—look for the little things that most people take for granted.
  • Show appreciation for the things someone does—whether that be washing the clothes to cooking a lovely dinner.
  • Let someone know you are praying for them—we all know the power of prayer.
  • Offer words of cheer for someone depressed, discouraged, or overwhelmed. Words of encouraging can change a person’s day.
  • Praise a person who has reached a milestone, it will make them feel so special and boost their confidences.
  • Compliment someone when they aren’t expecting it. Look for something that other people may have overlooked.
  • Take time out to listen. How many times has someone said, “I feel better” after talking to you about something, when all you did was listen?
  • Send a card, email, or text telling people you appreciate them.  A text message only takes a few moments and can be done anywhere at any time but make such a huge differences to the receiver.
  • Physically help someone in need, it might be a stranger—it could involve carrying the groceries of an elderly person or helping a co-worker who is running behind.
  • Be kind and considerate. It could be as simple as a smile, opening the door for someone, or acknowledging your co-workers.

Remember that kind words cost you nothing, but make such a difference. 

 
And the LORD, he is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8 (NKJV)

Comments

  1. This is an encouraging post, Jo! :)
    And that is an excellent list of ideas for ways to encourage others - I know that the times I've had someone say something encouraging to me have been such a blessing, and not only that, but I tend to remember those encouraging words for a very long time because they're so special. :) And we all need to remember to pass that blessing on and encourage someone else...

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  2. Oh, it is so good to be encouraging, isn't it? Thank you for this *encouraging* post ;)
    There are some very practical ideas in here.

    God bless,
    Mrs. Q

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  3. Great post Jo! I think when the Bible says to encourage each other daily, it's because God knows we all need it :)

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  4. JOYFULMUM - what a happy world we would live in, if we encouraged each other daily rather than fighting :)

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  5. What's not working for you? Everything comes up fine for me! :)

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  6. I can't "reply" as a thread, its not working as if does on other blogs.

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  7. ohhh... yeah. I see what you mean. I'm not sure how to do that. :(

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  8. Clara - it is now working, this is what it is MEANT to do, nest the message!!

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