41 Things Encouragers Ought to Know (part one of four)

Do you desire to be an encourager to others?  Do you want to make a real difference with others?  The following is a list of 41 things that might be helpful to know if you desire to live as an encourager.

 
1.  Know that your smile really makes a difference.  God can use you to actually brighten someone’s day through your smile.

 
2.  Know that many people are just one step away from significant life change.  That difference may come in the form of God using you to encourage.

 
3.  Know that God uses encouragers who are single and married, rich and poor, and old and young.  Never assume that God will not use you to significantly encourage someone because you appear to be so different from that person.

 
4.  Know that an encouraging word can make an incredible difference to someone who is discouraged.  Meanwhile, a negative or harsh word might crush another and be remembered for many, many years.

 
5.  Know the encouragement that someone receives from another can actually alter the course of one’s life.  Such encouragement can help give a person the courage to make a difficult decision.

 
6.  Know that Barnabas (in the book of Acts) was called the "son of encouragement" and played a critical role in encouraging others in the earliest churches.

 
7.  Know that an encourager tries to catch another person doing right and affirms that person.  (Don’t worry, there will always be people around who are trying to catch people doing the wrong thing.)

 
8.  Know that the role of encourager is about cheering other people on.  Think about how good it feels to know that someone is in your corner, cheering you on, and wanting you to do well.

 
9.  Know that an encourager avoids one of the most deadly responses that people can make: silence.  I wonder how many people have worked hard and made themselves vulnerable only to be met with a chilly silence by the people who matter most.

 
10.  Know that the encouragement you give may seem unimportant.  In fact, you may be unaware of how important it is.  I was in my early years of college when I going through a rough period spiritually.  I recall a man at the church where I grew up who would notice me whenever I was there.  He didn’t say anything particularly memorable or profound.  He would look at me when I came through the front doors and smile and wave.  On most occasions he would shake my hand.  As I look back, I think his attention gave me some encouragement.