This past Sunday morning while knitting in my pajamas and flipping through the channels, I happened to stop at Dr. Charles Stanley in the middle of his InTouch sermon. He sometimes has some interesting things to say, and his topic on that day was regarding how to be encouraging to others.
A long time ago, in our United Methodist adult Sunday School class in Tennessee, we took a test to find out what spiritual gifts we had to be used for the benefit of others. I recall that I had one that came through loud and clear and much more prominent than any others: I am an encourager.
I liked the list of 25 Ways to Show Encouragement shared by Dr. Stanley:
- Call
- Text
- Write a letter (or an email)
- Give a sincere compliment
- Pray (what would you have me pray for you about?)
- Fulfill a need in someone's life
- Give them time
- Point them to applicable Scripture
- Tell them the truth
- Be forgiving
- Love (say I love you)
- Be a good example
- Give Godly correction
- Listen to them
- Give them your full attention
- Be patient
- Cry with them
- Agree when it's appropriate
- Give a meaningful gift
- An affirming look
- Pass on helpful information
- Express loyalty
- Love those whom they love
- Assisting them in an area in which they feel inadequate
- Smile!
Here's a link to the sermon if you are interested.
(I accept encouragement too, especially when it involves knitting!!!)
xoxo Tammy
Great post! Thanks for the list of ways to show encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your passing this on, #21, on point! You are the epitome of encouragement, and not just in the knitting arena. I enjoy your blog...you write about a wide range of topics in such a concise manner. Happy Birthday to your DH....and GO PANTHERS! xo 💙
ReplyDeleteYou are DEFINITELY an encourager! I'll never forget all the cheering from the soccer sidelines and all the kind words over the years for every big life moment our families have shared :)
ReplyDelete