One of the most important gifts in church life is encouragement. It is so easy to take things and people for granted. Encouragement as one of the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit, yet one we can all practise. It is near at hand to everyone. Max Lucado has a sermon in which he says:
“Everybody needs to hear a “wonderful.” Here is why. Companies spend billions of dollars to convince us that we are chubby, smelly, ugly and outof-date! Feelings of inadequacy live in a billion hearts.
Can you distribute encouragement to those around you? Will you make some happiness happen by saying a word of appreciation? Will you remind humanity that we are made in God’s image? That we are loved?
How can I do that? Start by listening – really listening. Give that rarest of gifts— your full attention. Ask someone questions about themselves. You could try to praise people as well as God. Biblical encouragement is no casual, kind word but rather a premeditated resolve to lift the spirit of another person. Everyone needs a cheerleader.
Give the gift that God loves to give— encouragement. This is how happiness happens.”