I receive a lot of encouragement on my website comments. It reminds me that I want to be an encourager. All it takes is a smile or a compliment to those we don’t know. I try to encourage those who provide a service. When possible, I try to praise them to their boss. I want to get better at encouraging by sending notes and cards by mail, email, and text and compliment people and their services on social media. The greatest encouragement we can give is recognizing someone’s needs and fulfilling them.
That’s what Joseph, from the line of Levi, did. He saw a need in the early church. By selling a portion of his land and giving money to the apostle’s ministry, he enabled them to be solely devoted to serving God. The apostles changed his name to Barnabas which means “Son of Encouragement.” Later in Acts, Barnabas was called an apostle, and Paul chose him as his travel companion.
I want people to think of me as an encourager. To accomplish that I need to trust God with every problem I encounter, so I am filled with joy. This week, I will write a person’s name on each day of my calendar. I will try to fulfill a need or encourage that person in some way. Today I’m taking an older friend who can’t drive out to lunch. I won’t limit my encouragement to the one on my calendar, but I will go the extra mile for my friend or loved one on that day.
Father God, thank you for taking all my worries and solving my problems so I am free to smile, encourage, and bless others. Please place people in my path who need encouraging and remind me to encourage them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I think of people who encourage others as very positive people. Positive about life and their own mission. It is great to be able to encourage someone when they are going through a rough time or a bad day. It is also a great feeling to encourage someone when they are working towards a goal. There are lots of different circumstances when we can encourage someone.
I appreciate the encouragement you always give me. When I first started this website, you were my only encourager. You kept me going, and I will never be able to thank you enough. Blessings and love, Jody
You are so welcome! It was a privilege to be a reader and enjoy your devotions. Love you!
I love you, too. It is a privilege being your sister!