The gift of encouragement

“If your gift is…to encourage, then give encouragement.” Romans 12:6, 8 NIV

Did you know that there’s such a thing as “the gift of encouragement”? There is! The Bible says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is…to encourage, then give encouragement.” And you don’t have to be talented or have a high IQ to demonstrate this gift. Every day you meet people in need of encouragement. They may not show it on the surface, but underneath they’re struggling to keep their head above water. Some of them are at the point of despair, and your words can lift them. Even a smile can do it. Job said, “When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them” (Job 29:24 NLT). Solomon said, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25 NKJV). Don’t assume because people exhibit the trappings of status and success that they don’t need encouragement. David was a best-selling author whose psalms are still read around the world. He was Israel’s most popular king. His victories in battle are the envy of every military academy strategist. But he had days when he felt so low that he was reaching up to touch the bottom: “I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain” (Psalm 38:17 NLT). It’s not just average people who need encouragement—best-selling authors, kings, and generals need it too. Everybody does! And that’s good, because when you have the gift of encouragement, you will never be without a job. So today be sensitive to God’s leading, and when He prompts you to encourage someone—do it!

Bible in a year: Exodus 9-11 and Matthew 15:21-39