Biblical Tips on Being an Encourager

 

1.        Be Patient with everyone. When someone messes up, says a hurtful word, or steps out of line it is easy to be quick to bite back. However, God tells us to be patient always and to keep our mouth shut. Just by not saying anything at all or by waiting to find an appropriate time to speak, we can encourage others to do the right thing. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

2.        Choose your words wisely. What you say to someone can either build them up or tear them down. Choose the high road and make sure you are being an encourager and not a Debby downer. Complement those around you by pointing out traits and characteristics that you like and appreciate. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

3.       Live in Peace. This sounds easier than it really is. There are constantly people around us that annoy us, hurt us, and bring us down. We have to make a conscious effort to love those that bother us. When we love rather than fight we are keeping the peace. When there is tension in a gathering you are at, keep the peace by not gossiping or taking sides. If you cannot think of anything to say then walk away, or change the subject. If your quick with giving encouraging words then say something like “I hear that you’re upset and bothered by ____, that sounds upsetting, but I really just want to stay positive right now and keep the peace. Let’s go do something to take our mind off of it”. (1 Thessalonians 5:13)

4.        Give extra encouragement to those that are timid and week. This goes for adults, children, and the elderly. This can be as simple as letting someone know you are praying for them, that God loves them, and letting them know how much you appreciate them. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

5.        Avoid evil when needed. Whatever is tempting to you, avoid it. If there is a situation where you will be tempted to behave in a way that is not Godly, it is OK to say no. Although God does give us the strength we need to stay Holy while in the hot zone, it does not mean we have to stay in the fire all the time. We all need breaks and we all need time to fill up our tanks with Holy water. So unless you have your suit of God's armor on and are in the mindset to be tempted...say NO. It is difficult to be an encourager when we are slipping into hot waters ourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

6.        Pray continually. Remember that God is with you every step of the way. He can show you how and who to encourage. God wants to help you with your struggles and he wants to use you to help others. Ask Him how and He will show you. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

 "Let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5: 8-11)

This post is Linked up to Titus2Tuesdays.http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/tag/titus-2-tuesday
& http://www.w2wministries.org/