October 4, 2023 –
Ever wonder why some people are better encouragers than others? Why one is a giver and not a taker? Why do some boost those that are down? Why one is loyal and covers your back?
You can encourage others if you love them as yourself, even though education, environment, entourage, or experiences also play a role.
The story of Ruth and Naomi is an example of biblical encouragement and a key to being an encourager. These two women spent ten years together as mother-in-law/daughter-in-law. Ruth remained loyal and generous to Naomi despite facing challenges and hard work.
The Bible spotlights the encouraging Ruth in her answer to Naomi’s attempts to keep her in Moab. “Do not persuade me to leave you or go back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and they will bury me there. May Yahweh punish me and do so severely, if anything, but death separates you and me.” (Ruth 1: 16,17)
Being an encourager resulted in a reward—a family and being In Jesus’s lineage.
While loyalty, putting the good of the other person ahead of yourself, and being willing to go the extra mile will encourage others, make sure your encouragement is genuine and given with love.
Encourage someone today. Convince yourself every day that you can help people experience a good life. Let go of yourself and give of yourself. Let friends, neighbors, and strangers know they are not alone.