We all need encouragement from time to time. No matter our vocation in life, social class, whether you are a mom or a plumber, encouragement is needed to make it through the day. We all get hit with disappointment and family issues. At times, we need a word from friends, family, and even the word of God.

Encouragement is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as to inspire with courage, spirit or hope; to spur on; or to give help or patronage to. That is what a coach offers his players, a parent offers their young, a pastor to his congregation, or a teacher to his student. As a matter of fact, encouragement is what we all can offer to each others if we become available to the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit to use in this way.

I believe that as Christians, we have been empowered to be alert and to offer encouragement and support to someone to boost their confidence in their time of need. The society we live in is not easy these days. Children need encouragement even after they reach the age of 18 to continue on with their education. A housewife can get overwhelmed with taking care of her children and the household day after day. A minister of a missionary may have difficulties dealing with the pressures of their position.

We can all be a minister of hope. A smile goes a long way to those who are in despair and in trouble. In my personal life, I am grateful for my wife and family, my church family, and friends that offer me support and a lift when I’m down.

It’s very important to have people around you that can encourage you. If you currently don’t have anyone who encourages you, I encourage you to find someone. There are many imperfect people in this world, in fact we all have our flaws. Someone out their has been in your situation and can give you the encouragement you need to get through the situation.

We must lean on each other during the good times and the bad times. Offer support and encouragement to those around you. Use God’s word in your life and let this be the anchor to sustain you.  Share your testimony of what God’s doing in your life.

In closing, I would like to leave you some words of encouragement from the Bible. Meditate on these verses when you need encouragement or you need to give encouragement to others.

Philippians 2:1-2: So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 

Hebrews 6:18: So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.