THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT
By Nancy Brossart
How careful are we about the words we choose? Do we set out to deliberately hurt those who have been placed in our lives? Or do we treasure them as the precious gifts they are?
I'll admit, there ARE some people who can be a "challenge", and they never seem to understand how trying they can be. So we decide to take on ourselves the job of "straightening them out". Never mind that our hurtful words (disguised in our minds by the simple and senseless explanation, "I always speak my mind") could easily destroy the self-confidence and all-too-often the spirituality of these friends or family members. We defend our position in our minds by convincing ourselves that we are only speaking the truth.
I doubt that anyone ever really comprehends the damage we can do to another with just one careless slip of the tongue. Everyone responds to things (even words) quite differently. Of course, we justify our actions with the following defenses:
1. I'm only trying to help them!
2. He/she took it the wrong way.
3. They just can't handle the truth.
(the old "Truth Hurts" alibi)
4. Why can't they just see it myway?
Doing It My Way
The more hurtful things we say, the more we destroy our relationships, one word at a time.
Did you ever think that everything we say carries the potential to impact the life of another. Unkind words carry a negative impact while words of love and encouragement result in a positive impact.
A catchy phrase for all of us to remember might be:
Sticks and stones can break my bones,
But words will break my heart
But words are only one tool to be used in our gift of encouragement.
Every Day Helps
There are many things we can do to become encouragers.
Do you take the time to hug your husband/wife? Your children? Your friends? The gift of touch is an encouragement that can make a big difference. Each touch (a hug, a handshake, a hand on a shoulder) brings its own special healing.
How about a smile? We've all heard that it uses more muscles to frown than to smile. So start today!
And pay attention to the tone of your words. Sometimes it's not what you say, but how you say it!
The Power of Words
Words bring pain (death) or healing (life) to the hearer. How do you speak to the people in your life?
The Use of Words(Author Unknown)
A careless word may kindle strife,
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A bitter word may hate instill,
A brutal word may smite or kill.
A gracious word may smooth the way,
A joyous word may light the day.
A timely word may lesson stress,
A loving word may heal and bless.
Always accept God's challenge to love and accept others!
YOUR Ministry of Encouragement
We've all been hurt by someone. You might be thinking, "But I'm the one who needs encouragement!"
Devote yourself to forgiving everyone who has hurt you, mistreated you or brought any pain to you.
Proverbs 3:27 reminds us to "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it". And I believe it is in the power of all of us to be an encourager!
Praise
You could compliment a person by telling them they're wearing a pretty dress. But why not PRAISE them instead? Praise is pointing out a quality that someone has worked hard at to develop. Praise lifts the spirits of the recipient and encourages them. It can make all the difference.
Look for qualities such as compassion, toughtfulness or understanding. You'll truly value others when you point out all the positive qualities God has placed in their lives. And you will see everyone in your life as unique and special.
Be on the lookout for the places where others hurt (everyone has their "soft spot") and what makes them happy. Choose to be a blessing (an encourager) to every person God places in your life!
