How to Become a Source of Encouragement

Are you an encourager or discourager? As a Christian, the answer should be clear. We must be a source of encouragement. The question now is, “how?” Read this post to learn the answer!

FREE EBOOK promo footnote.png

Do you want to be a source of encouragement? Do you feel like you want to encourage others but just don’t know how to do it? When I was in High School, I read a story that illustrates the power of words. The story goes like this.

The story of two frogs

There were two frogs happily hopping in the forest then suddenly they fell in a ditch deep enough that it is nearly impossible for them to jump out.

They shouted for help and not long, some other frogs gathered around the ditch. Instead of helping the two frogs who are trapped, they shouted discouraging words to them and telling the two frogs that they should give up and just die in the ditch.

In spite of the other frogs’ discouraging words, the two frogs still tried their best to jump out from the ditch. But the words of the other frogs started to get into the brain of the first frog. Eventually, the first frog stopped jumping and died.

As disheartening as this may be, the second frog continued to jump as if he does not hear the discouraging words of the other frogs on top of him. The more the second frog tried to jump, the harder the shout of the other frogs.

Finally, the second frog concentrated all his strength then powerfully jumped with all his might. With this, the second frog was able to come out of the ditch.

The other frogs ask the second frog, “How did you do that? Did you not hear our discouraging words?”

The second frog replied, “What a great surprise! My friends, I have a poor sense of hearing. I couldn’t actually hear you clearly down there. All this time, I thought you are ENCOURAGING me!”

How To Become A Source Of Encouragement

Here’s how you can become a source of encouragement.

Are you an encourager or discourager?

Though the story is just a fable, we can learn vital lessons from it.

Sometimes, we take for granted the power of our words. We say something without even thinking whether what we say is right or wrong. By the moment we realize that our words may be harmful, it’s too late and the damage has been done.

How too often does this happen to us? Saying words that we wish we never have said?

Words are powerful.

We must strive hard to UPLIFT people around us instead of putting them down just to make ourselves feel better. Because when you do that, you know that is PURE selfishness.

When people talk or get in contact with you, do they leave the conversation ENCOURAGED? Or discouraged?

When we see people succeed, do we appreciate them or do we rather get jealous and try to belittle their accomplishments?

When our friend commits a mistake, do we encourage them and try to make them feel better or do we make the situation worse for our friend?

These are just some questions that you need to ponder upon. My friend, words are powerful and the moment you use that power for the good of the people around you, you just made this world a better place to live in. 🙂

(Be sure to read, “How to be a light to the world.”)

Top 10 Christian Movies You Should Watch Tonight (yellow banner)

Encouraging others as a Christian duty

This world is full of discouragement.

Look around you and you will picture of sadness, depression, and suffering. Wouldn’t it be great if you become a source of encouragement, a glimpse of light in this dark and dreary world?

You know what, many don’t realize it but as Christians, we must assume the duty of encouragement.

You see, it is so easy to discourage people.

It is easy to pour cold water on other’s flaming enthusiasm and energy.

It is easy to laugh at people when they commit a mistake.

It is easy to point out to other people the wrongs they have done. And it is so easy to get infected by the discouragement of others.

However, as Christians, we are not called to do the easy things in life, but rather, we are called to do the right thing.

Sometimes, all you need to do is beam a smile to others. Appreciate them and be there during their toughest battle.

Being an encourager does not need to involve grand and big acts of love. A small act can occupy the biggest space in the heart of others.

It is our duty to encourage one another. I Thessalonians 5:11 made it very clear:

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

Comforting and edifying one another involve encouragement. The Apostle Paul isn’t making a request here, but rather he is commanding the Thessalonians and Christians today to be a source of encouragement.

The ULTIMATE LIST of 50 Best_ Christian Books of All Time (leaderboard)

Encourage with action

Sometimes, it is not enough to encourage people with plain words. It should be coupled with action.

If you are in the bleachers, cheering and shouting at your friend who is running “you can do it, come on, I believe in you… don’t give up”, that will be a good thing.

But when you are actually out there running with your friend and saying the same words of encouragement, it will make a TREMENDOUS effect not only to your friend but also in you.

Just like those frogs. If they only become more encouraging and stick their tongue out and tied them together, they could have saved the two frogs. Okay, the tongue idea might not work, but I know you get the point.

What I’m saying is that we can choose to do something about a certain situation rather than complaining about the challenges of the present circumstances.

Choose encouragement!

We are all called to emulate the life of Yahshua or Jesus Christ our Master and Savior. He is a man and a source of encouragement. Let us pray to God that He will give us the wisdom to say the right words at the right time.

So every time you are tempted to say bad things, just keep your mouth closed. It is better to say nothing rather than say things that may not benefit you or others. That will make a whole lot of a difference!

Choose encouraging words rather than words that can vex the spirit of your fellow man. Choose to follow Christ and CHOOSE ENCOURAGEMENT!

How about you? Do you know how to encourage others? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment. 


Featured book…

The Purpose Driven Life footnote

One thought on “How to Become a Source of Encouragement

  1. Waw, this is a nice material it has helped me so, so much . I would like to know more from you because am trying to have some of the books you have written. I can use them for some teaching and personal studies
    Thanks
    Samuel

Leave a Reply