We all hate feeling rejected. In fact, it’s often the thing that halts us from encouraging someone, from speaking life into someone, from uplifting a stranger or a co-worker. We think, “Maybe they don’t want to hear a nice word right now … I’ll do it next time.” But what if that was the single good thing they would have heard all week?

Encouragement builds us strong like mountains, it breathes life into us as strong as a wind in a hurricane. Encouragement is something God-given and God-inspired. Our everlasting Father breaks down encouragement for us and the power it has over our lives.

1. Uplifting Those You Love

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  —Proverbs 16:24

Who doesn’t want to feel uplifted? Would anyone reject a good word, or a word that came at the perfect time? We all know as believers that God speaks through us, it’s just a matter of putting aside our understandable but worthless fleshly fears and just speak life into your friend. It could even be through a text if you’re not able to see them face to face, but when you are, don’t be afraid to gently touch there shoulder and say, “You’re doing a good job.”

2. Comfort During A Difficult TIme

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”  —2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Sometimes the strongest-looking people are the ones that need the kindest word. Just because it looks like someone has it all together, doesn’t mean they also can’t use encouragement and love. Use the power of your tongue to speak life, and start today.

3. Fueling Someone’s Fire

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  —2 Timothy 1:7

Encouraging friends is like fueling a holy bond, too. Friendship is a gift and to cherish it means to tend to it, to water it, and to not let it grow on its own. Speaking encouragement to your brother and sister is one of the kindest, most life-giving things you can do for them. So simply do it; smile, pray, and say something uplifting to your friend’s soul.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  —Hebrews 10:24-25

It’s important to see your friends through good times and bad by offering encouragement and support along the way. Use God’s instructions for uplifting those you love.

You may also be interested in True Friendship: 5 Things All Great Friends Do