I’ve been thinking about encouragement for a few days. Actually—not true. I’ve been thinking about it for years. And here’s what I’ve come to:
Encouragement is one of the greatest healers we have. In most—if not all—circumstances. Strangely, both encouragement and discouragement come from the same source: People. Yes—prayer and Scripture are incredible sources of encouragement. And yes—media can be a deep well of discouragement. But day to day? We’re mostly being hammered by other human beings— sometimes gently, sometimes not. We need help.
The Power of Spontaneous Encouragement
Of course, we can be proactive. We can seek out the voices that build us up. But wouldn’t it be better— wouldn’t it be beautiful— if more people chose to spontaneously encourage others? A word. A look. A reminder. Not performance. Not empty affirmation. Just the truth of seeing someone.
My Friend and His Verse
I have a friend who’s memorized nearly 7,000 Bible verses. He’s pastored four churches. Given a lifetime of faithful service. And now? He’s distilled all of it down to one thing: Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” That’s his mission: To bring public awareness to acts of encouragement. It’s not just that it feels good to be encouraged— though it does. It’s that encouragement is healing— to the one who receives it, and to the one who gives it.
Be Proactive. Be Restorative. Are you discouraged? Then extend encouragement. Start the ripple. Because in doing so, you’re not just helping others.
You’re healing yourself.
