For as much as we’d like them to be, our days are not always filled with sunny skies and rainbows.  More often than not, the storm clouds of life come rolling in when we least want or expect them, threatening to dampen our hope and undermine our confidence.  It’s times like these when we can all use some encouragement.

While it may sound counterintuitive, one of the best ways to be encouraged is to become an encourager.  Before we explore this idea, let’s take a look at five qualities of encouragers:

1 Encouragers Listen With Their Hearts.

Encouragers listen not only with their ears, but with their hearts as well.  They listen to the words but also hear what is being said through body language, emotion and even in the silent pauses.

“Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding.” Proverbs 2:2

2 Encouragers are Patient and Slow to Judge.

Encouragers seek first to understand before responding in love.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

3 Encouragers Take Time For Others.

Encouragers make the effort to focus beyond themselves to identify and make themselves available to address the needs of others.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

4 Encouragers Rejoice in Others’ Victories.

Encouragers sincerely lift others up rather than tear them down.  They do not look to compete but to support.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

5 Encouragers Seek Him First.

It’s hard to pour out on others when the well is dry.  For this reason, the most important quality of an encourager is her practice of seeking God first.  Spending time in the word and in prayer can quench, encourage and fill the encourager so she is able to pour that love and encouragement upon others who need it.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 5:13

The Benefits of Being an Encourager

When we focus on God first and allow Him to fill us to overflowing, not only are we able to pour that hope and love out on others, we are setting an example for others to follow.  One that will allow them to reflect that hope and love right back to us when we need it most.  Isn’t that encouraging?

Find me on Facebook and “Like” me to stay connected!