Be Liberal with Encouragement – Homeword – August 25

Be Liberal with EncouragementThis devotional was written by Jim BurnsEncourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:11Mark Twain once said, “I can live two months on one good compliment.” People need your praise and affirmation. Be liberal with your gift of encouragement and always be on the lookout for opportunities to lift someone’s spirits.A woman in my church has a ministry of affirmation. She must have stock in the local stationery store because she is always writing affirming notes. I save those notes and I’ve received eight this year! Her willingness to praise someone for a job well done or encourage a person who needs a moment of inspiration has given my friend a profound ministry. She’ll probably never give a sermon, write a book, or be famous, but I guarantee you that in God’s eyes her notes of encouragement are more powerful than almost any sermon you’ve ever heard.Is there someone in your life who needs a little affirmation and praise? What better gift to give them than the gift of encouragement!GOING DEEPER:1. What effect does encouragement have in a person’s life?2. Today, give encouragement to someone who needs it. Try writing them a note, giving them a phone call, or baking them a fresh batch of cookies.FURTHER READING: Ephesians 4:29Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Westend61Jim Burns is the president of HomeWord. He speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has more than 2 million resources in print in 20 languages. He primarily writes and speaks on the values of HomeWord, which are: Strong Marriages, Confident Parents, Empowered Kids, and Healthy Leaders. Some of his most popular books are: Doing Life with Your Adult Children. The Purity Code, Creating an Intimate Marriage, Have Serous Fun and Finding Joy in the Empty Nest.  Jim and his wife, Cathy, live in Southern California and have three grown daughters, Christy, Rebecca, and Heidi; three sons-in-law, Steve, Andy and Matt; and three grandchildren, James, Charlotte and Huxley.For more information and resources please visit HomeWord.com.