I Can Be an Encourager!

By Lilly Evans

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

One of the many things we can do during COVID-19 is to encourage people. People in this day and time are feeling lonely and disconnected. It’s understandable because nothing is the same. You may be asking: how do I encourage someone when I can’t even see them? I’m going to talk about three simple ways we can encourage people during these difficult times.

First, we can encourage people through cards and notes. I personally love getting cared in the mail. Honestly I don’t send cared to people enough. Cards are a very powerful way to uplift someone, especially the shut-ins. You may already be stuck on the idea of what to write in the cards. For example, you could put encouraging Bible verses such as Philippians 4:13; Revelation 21:4; and 1 John 5:14 in the card. If they are sick and missing fellowship with the saints, sending them a card would also be very encouraging.

We can also encourage people through little notes or text messages. Have you ever gotten a sweet note from someone thanking you for helping a teacher in class and mentioning how great you did? Wouldn’t that be encouraging? In my family, we sometimes make little sticky notes and put them on each other’s bedroom doors. It’s very encouraging when you go to bed and find a sweet little note on your door. For some it may be easier to make a little note instead of cards. Both are encouraging! They could make someone’s day or even open the door to have a Bible study with them.

We can also encourage each other with our words. Has anyone ever said something to you and it stuck with you? It might have been something very encouraging or something that hurt you. I have memories from when I was little of biblical topics that really sunk in. While we are here on this earth, we need to use our words to glorify God in every possible way. You may say something to a little child that will stick with them for the rest of their life. That is why we need to use our words to encourage people and glorify God and not ourselves Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each other.” Matthew 12:37 says, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Our words can either do a lot of good or a lot of damage. When talking to someone on the phone, text, or email, you have the opportunity to encourage them. This could open up opportunities for Bible studies with a non-Christian or encourage a fellow Christian.

Second, we can encourage people through food. Have you ever moved to a new place or lost a loved one? Someone might have brought you a meal. It’s very considerate and encouraging. We often call food we really like “comfort food.” This is because it tastes good and makes us feel good. This can be encouraging. The fact that you thought of them and decided to do something for them reminds them that they are not alone. Comforting someone in hard times can show how much you love them, care for them, and want to encourage them. John 13:35 says, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Lastly, we can encourage people through listening. Sometimes we may catch ourselves calling our friends and venting. What do our best friends do? They don’t say anything, they just simply listen. We can encourage someone through simply listening to them. Let me tell you about an elderly widow in our congregation. When you visit with her, she loves to talk. When you try to leave, she doesn’t want you to go. Why? She loves to talk to people and she is lonely. Being a good listener and being there for someone can really encourage them.

We have looked at three simple ways that we can encourage people through cards, taking food, and listening. We can make a difference and glorify God in our communities by simply encouraging one another!