When you think of encouragement, you may think of words that you share with someone who is facing challenges in one or more areas of life. Encouragement, though, encompasses much more than encouraging words. In fact, Gary Chapman, in “The Five Love Languages,” points out that “the word ‘encourage’ means ‘to inspire courage.’ ” Every person deals with insecurity, uncertainty and fear at some point in life, struggling to experience hope and to see positive change. When you see a friend or loved one experiencing hardship and sorrow, you can provide encouragement in a variety of relevant and timely ways. Gary Smalley, in “Keys to Loving Relationships,” explains that encouragement can help another person navigate life’s challenges and experience an increased appreciation of life.
Step 1
Practice active and reflective listening when speaking with the person who needs encouragement. Keep your attention and emotions focused on her needs, and seek to show your support by asking questions and affirming her thoughts and feelings when appropriate.
Step 2
Find creative ways to serve the person who needs encouragement, such as by shopping for groceries, delivering care packages and mowing the lawn. Even small acts of service often go a long way toward encouraging someone who is struggling with hardship or sorrow.
Step 3
Give thoughtful and appropriate gifts to the person in need of encouragement, taking time to consider what gifts might be of the greatest help. For example, although a gift card for groceries will help a busy single mom, a babysitter and a prepaid evening out might be even more appreciated.
Step 4
Spend time with the person who needs encouragement, such as helping with day-to-day responsibilities or escaping together for time of play and relaxation. Allow your presence to minister encouragement to him, even if that means only sitting for a time in shared silence.
Step 5
Share words of encouragement and affirmation with the person in need of encouragement when appropriate. Be sensitive to the other person’s needs, possibly even asking if encouraging words would actually be helpful to her, then share the words on your heart in simple, humble ways.
Tips and Warnings
- A few heartfelt words of encouragement go a long way, so share encouraging words in ways that sincerely and genuinely reflect your compassion for the person, as well as in ways that are relevant and timely.
- Remain sensitive to the other person’s needs in any given moment. Sometimes the person might need encouragement, but at other times the person might need comfort and compassion instead. Use wisdom and ask questions to bring to light the need of the moment.
References
- “Keys to Loving Relationships”; Gary Smalley; 2003
- “The Five Love Languages”; Gary Chapman; 2010
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