The Habit of Encouragement
February 23, 2025
Encouragement has the power to quickly change someone's day or even the direction of a person's life, but people who are wounded find it difficult to help others experience the love of God through words and actions of encouragement. Encouragement comes from a heart that is secure enough to notice and recognize the good in others and to express that recognition.
READ
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
REFLECT
1. Encouragement is more than being nice or kind. It is the act of giving hope and confidence to others. What actions of others have given you hope and confidence in your life?
2. How does God encourage our hearts, give us hope and strengthen us?
3. Gossiping, badmouthing, and spread rumors behind people's back are the opposite of encouragement. Have you ever said something about someone you would never say if they were present? Why are these actions so destructive?
RESPOND
1. Think of phrases or words you wish you had heard more often in your life. Ask God to bring someone to mind and seek out opportunities to share those words with to encourage them.
2. Observe your family, workplace, or community and notice your actions and words that build others up or tear others down. Ask those around you how they experience encouragement and make note to practice it regularly.
3. Pay attention to what you say about someone when that person is not present that you would say to their face. Choose not to participate in gossip or slander.