We all experience periods of discouragement. We undergo difficult situations or something unexpected happens. We know that tough times are only an element of life and we all know that Jesus wins in the long run (John 16:33), but sometimes we still feel stuck within the here and now. When we have now a friend who needs encouragement, we’re called to support him godly. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “enjoy each other and construct each other up” and Hebrews 3:13 says, “encourage one another each day, provided it’s called “today.” offer it.
Don’t let the fear of claiming the incorrect thing keep you from getting in contact. Friends must know that you just care and that you just can be found. What matters is the willingness to become involved when a friend goes through a troublesome season. You do not have to be good at all the pieces or know what to do, but you may have to try. Avoiding for fear of doing the incorrect thing unnecessarily damages relationships. Be willing to be the primary to go, admit that you just do not know what to do best, and keep showing love. Pay attention to what your friend says, needs, and responds well to. When you reach out in love, you actually cannot do it incorrect. “Love covers a large number of sins” (cf.1 Peter 4:8).
Here are some inexpensive or free ways to encourage a friend:
1. Cards or letters
In the world of technology, we have now begun to forget the ability of a handwritten card. The joy and encouragement you may give someone by sending them a handwritten letter is 100 times greater than the hassle required to finish the duty. When an encouraging message from a friend mixes with bills and garbage, the impact is felt within the soul. “Kind words are like honey – they’re sweet to the soul and healthy to the body” (Proverbs 16:24NLT).
2. Texts
In addition to handwritten notes, a brief text to let a friend know you are considering of him is all the time welcome. You do not have to resolve all her problems or have the ability to deal together with her pain. You just need to be a friend, and “a friend all the time loves” (Proverbs 17:17). A text so simple as “I’m considering of you and praying for you today” or “I hope today is a great day!” can bring a smile to her face. If you may have a shaggy dog story to inform or an uplifting Bible verse, text your mates to allow them to know they’re loved.
3. Talk and go
Physical activity has been proven to affect mood. Our bodies and minds profit from movement and fresh air. If possible, go for a walk outside. If outside shouldn’t be an option, discover a seat indoors. You can try a gym and even an indoor shopping center. If walking doesn’t work, you could find low-impact exercises at home – yoga or easy arm movements. Be creative. Most of us can find some option to move our bodies. When we exercise, we take care not only of our physical component, but in addition of our emotional component. Our moods improve and we will often rethink things from a recent perspective. If you may have a friend who needs just a little uplift, offer her a walk and see what advantages come from it. You don’t even need to debate the difficulty so far as a pleasant long walk to assist her with the difficulty. Just being with a friend could be an incentive in itself. Not every meeting needs to be problem solving. A beautiful conversation about anything can relieve the stress of something else. “Anxiety depresses the guts, but a great word cheers it up” (Ps.Proverbs 12:25).
4. Homemade gift
If you are crafty, a homemade gift is usually a lovely option to encourage a friend. Taking the time to create something along with your heart and talent shows how much you care concerning the person. Perhaps you paint, draw or write poetry. Maybe you make your individual jewelry or cross-stitching or creating handmade cards. Regardless of your talent, friends will feel loved and brought care of once you create something for them.
For example, I do not have many creative talents. But I actually have a deep passion for feeding people. When a friend is bereaved, discouraged, confused, or simply going through a troublesome time, you may make sure I’ll bring a meal. It might not be fancy, but it’ll be intentional. There’s a great probability I doubled the meal I used to be preparing for my circle of relatives, and it is a guarantee that I used to be considering of you and praying for you while I used to be cooking. When my family adopted our son with special needs, we were blessed for weeks when friends brought us lunch. It was a really difficult transition period, but I felt loved by all of the individuals who fed us. My older children and I still say, “Life is nice when people bring you meals.” Bonus points when dessert is included!
5. Ask
Sometimes we do not know what to do to cheer up a friend. You have the suitable to ask once you do not know. Just do not forget that the query “how can I assist you?” is usually overwhelming for somebody going through a difficult time. He’s attempting to process a lot that he doesn’t even consider providing you with tips about find out how to help. A greater approach is to inform her what you are going to do after which give her a alternative:
“I’ll bring you dinner. Want it Tuesday or Friday?
“Tomorrow I’ll take the dog for a walk. Better within the morning or afternoon?
“I’m going to the food market. You can text me an inventory or I should buy some stuff for dinner.
“Would or not it’s more helpful if I took your kids to the park for the afternoon or washed your laundry for you?”
6. Say words of encouragement/praise
The Bible is filled with verses that encourage us, and we will use Scripture to encourage others. We can address these words to our friends after they need encouragement in difficult times. We also needs to speak the Word of God to ourselves to remind our souls of God’s great love and everlasting presence. Here are a few of my favorite encouraging verses:
“Didn’t I order you? Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid; don’t be discouraged, for the Lord your God might be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There might be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, since the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
“Do not worry about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me; freed me from all my fears. Those who have a look at him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him; saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the Lord camps around those that fear him and delivers them.” Psalm 34:4-7
“Do not be afraid, for I’m with you; don’t be afraid, for I’m your God. I’ll strengthen you and assist you, I’ll uphold you with my right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
7. Prayer
May we always remember that in every situation we have now direct access to the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of the world. Prayer is effective. Prayer changes hearts, minds and situations. Whatever you do to directly encourage your friend, do all of it with a prayerful heart and watch God work.
Image Credit: ©GettyImages/DMECPhotography
[mailpoet_form id="1"]
