If we had a list of all the things people need today, near the top would be the need for encouragement. There is so much going on in our world to divide and discourage us. News reports give us conflicting stories so it is difficult to know who to believe. Many are dealing with sickness and death of family members. Frustration hits us from many directions.

But we are all in this boat of life on earth together. We float together or we sink together. Where can we find the encouraging word to lift people’s spirits? I can think of no better place to look than in our own mouths and in our own spirits. When we encourage another person, even when we are hurting ourselves, we in turn are encouraged because we see something good come out of our own actions.

Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”

Not only do encouraging words lift others up, they also have the potential to bring healing as Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Philippians 2:1-2 suggests the true source of comfort in these verses: “If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Spending time in God’s Word and in prayer will also encourage you so you can spread the joy.

Today is also designated as “Hug And High 5 Day.” This is one fantastic way to encourage others. It lifts the spirits of both persons when one recognizes the accomplishments of another, no matter how big or small it might be. The physical contact of two hands rejoicing together is electric, but even a cyber “high 5” or a cyber “hug” over the miles via. the Internet can be encouraging. I learned in the early days of email one way to give someone a hug was like this: {{{{{Sara}}}}} Seeing your name inside all those brackets gives the visual feeling of a hug even if your skin can’t feel it,

What are some other ways to lift a friend’s spirit? A visit . . . a telephone call . . . flowers . . . vegetables from your garden . . . The options are limitless. Perhaps you can share some ways you have given or received encouragement in the comments below.

Post by Janice D. Green. Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version.

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