Holley Gerth - The Encouragement Project: 21 Heart-to-Heart Ways to Show You Care

A holiday is approaching as I write this, and a popular commercial features people saying things like, Tell me Im loved. Tell me Im going to be okay. Tell me Im beautiful. We connect with these phrases and could add our own. Life knocks the wind out of all of us at times, and we need to be encouraged.

The word encouragement appears far more times in the New Testament than the Old. Its a spiritual gift. But even those who may not specifically have that particular gift are still called to encourage. Encouragement is described as coming from two sourcesGod and each other. And unlike simple compliments or kind words, encouragement is rooted in truth. It brings us back to whats realer than real. It reminds our hearts that what we see or experience right now is not the full story. There is more to life and more to us than meets the eye.

Ive written over two thousand greeting cards for DaySpring, the Christian subsidiary of Hallmark. Encouragement lies at the heart of all of them. I remember how when I first began, I would ask people, What would you like to say to the ones you love in your life? I did a lot of research and read many books. But I found that the best encourager of all already lives within me.

He lives within you too. The Holy Spirit knows what people around you need to hear in deeper, more powerful ways than we ever can. The Spirit of God knows the thoughts of God (see 1 Cor. 2:11). The Spirit also knows the hearts of people. That means when you let the Spirit encourage others through you, you connect the heart of God with the hearts of people in a supernatural way.

Im also trained as a counselor, and people often ask me what to say in difficult situations. I still believe the best encouragement is simply the presence of another person who cares. Even in a professional counseling relationship, research has shown that the connection between the client and counselor accounts for 70 percent of the outcome. Beyond that, simply ask the Spirit what this particular person needs to hear at this particular time. If you hear silence, thats okay. Just be with the person who needs you. And if words do come to mind, share them gently with grace and affirmationthe way the Spirit does with you.

Encouragement literally means to help give someone courage. It helps us get back up, face our day with joy, and fulfill the purpose God has for us. Its more than a simple pat on the back or a feel-good pep talk. Its fuel for our faith that provides what we need to move forward even on the most difficult of days.

You are an encourager, called by God and commissioned to strengthen the hearts of people. You have all you need to make a difference in the lives of whoever you meet today.

What You Can Pray

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love.

Colossians 2:2

Lord,

Its so reassuring to know the best encourager of all lives within me.

Thank you for your Holy Spirit and the wisdom he brings.

I pray for ______ to be encouraged today. You know what _____ is facing. You understand the challenges and obstacles completely. You already see the answer and are making a way. So whatever truth _____s heart needs to hear right now, I ask that you would whisper it to _____.