Encouragement

It seems that encouragement has come up frequently in the last couple of weeks. In my devotions, in Bible study, in sermons and in conversations - it seems like I am getting a concerted and concentrated re-education on this vital component of life.

No one receives too much encouragement. Most receive too little. It should not be confused with compliments, flattery or attention. I think I spent many years confusing these, and making many a poor decision as a result. Flattery may give you false confidence, but encouragement gives you the nudge to keep pressing on. Compliments may serve the motives of the giver, but true encouragement is centered on you fulfilling your own best purpose. You don't really even need to know what someone is going through to encourage them. They could be struggling with substance abuse, relationship issues, a test of integrity - things people are often reluctant to share. But a general encouragement can put wind in the sails and carry you to specialized results.

So encourage someone. Every day. Encourage many people. Every day.