Be a giver: Everyone is in need of encouragement

No one is beyond the need for encouragement. That thought may feel foreign to you, but I hope you know it’s true.

Your arrogant boss, lost child, distant friend and sick co-worker all need courage to make it. Encouragement means to place your heart in someone’s chest — to give courage and faith to those who can’t feel it in themselves.

King Saul’s son, Jonathan, snuck away from camp while David ran from the mad king. Neither of them realized that this would be the last time they ever saw one another. They embraced tenderly, and the writer of I Samuel tells us that Jonathan strengthened David’s hand in the Lord.

Every part of this is vital for making a lasting impact on others. Jonathan went. Jonathan encouraged. Jonathan placed David’s trust in God, not himself.

Three tests stand in the way of being an encourager. The first is showing up. Many of us maintain feelings of insecurity by never allowing others the option of getting to know us.

Social events are opportunities for excuses to keep us from finding friends or fellow strugglers. We are better together, yet always look for ways to stay apart. You must show up if you want to make a difference in someone’s life. No one has influence or impact on people from afar.

The second test is strengthening others. It is tough to help others when you sulk, feeling abandoned by others. As long as you feel sorry for yourself, the chances are you won’t believe you can help others.

Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

If you feel your tank is low, it’s time to fill someone else’s. Living with a broken heart, the best thing you can do is mend someone else’s. The enemy of your soul will have you sidelined until you get yourself together, but brokenness mends while helping others. Be the person you need. Every child, parent, leader, addict and elder needs strength.

Lastly, don’t base the strength on yourself. We want to help people so much that we convince them to rely on us. We want to be wanted… to be the person they call when trouble strikes. We need to be needed.

It comes from a good place but often devolves into destructive impulses. You are not infinite. You may not be able to run when they need you most. Therefore, courage is much stronger when it’s based on faith in the God who cannot fail.

Someone in your life could use your encouragement today. Write the letter, send the text or make the call right now. Show up where there is a need. Grant your power to others, and then remind them that God will always be with them.

David changed the world, and I believe it’s because Jonathan showed him where real strength comes from. Be the friend that changes someone’s world by showing up, strengthening their hand and pointing them to Jesus.