Practical Encouragement
Encouragment is a powerful thing. It could be in the form of a word, a note, a smile, a hug, a listening ear.
We never know what our words or actions may do for someone else. When we are available to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us it's encourages others and it is so rewarding.
1 Corinthians 14:3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
So what if this doesn't come easy. Well here's some things that have worked for me. Often times it can just start by saying "Hi" and smiling. Pick something that you can say next. Like "Nice day hey?" When you begin talking pick something about that person that you can compliment. Hair, makeup, necklace, sweater, shoes..... be observant. Then compliment them. Inquire about where they may have gotten it etc. Often times things that we have or wear have a story. And often it's nice if someone wants to hear it.
After that listen and see where the conversation goes. Be real and always be checking your moral warehouse to see if what they say is just ok conversation, if it's really exciting or if it goes against the way Christ wants us to walk. If it's just ok conversation go with it. If it's really exciting sharing in the excitement and if it goes against what Christ has for us say so. Be real. The sooner you are real with people at the beginning the easier it is later on.
The other thing to note is be prepared to always speak life. This I would say is a form of encouragment. I have recently done an amazing "Exercise" that shows that people are more capable than they think they are and often times it just takes someone to encourage them or speak life to them.
We need to prepare ourselves daily to be encouraging. A prayer for this week. Lord help us this week to focus on encouragment. Let us be prepared to speak life to those around us and those we meet. Father help us to be real as well as sensitive. Help us to be patient and kind. Like your word says Lord Proverbs 25:11A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Thank you for your words. May we fill our minds with them.
Blessings as you walk out this week.
Alanne.
PS I encourage you to make a list of what you want to focus on this week. Read it and reread it and speak it to yourself. "Stop listening to yourself and start talking"