Look Around: Who Needs Encouragement?

by Dana Welty

 

Who Needs Encouragement? The obvious answer to that question is, “All of us.” It’s a basic human need, and it’s especially true when it comes to ministerial staff. The reality is that the ministers and their families have a tough job and, because they are often overlooked, can be starving for encouragement. Ministers and their families often won’t show how much they need encouragement, but you can be sure that a little encouragement goes a long way. 

The gift of encouragement spills out from a heart full of the greatest command to love one another. When we love, we notice. In the garden of growing our fruits of the Spirit, what kinds of tools can we use to help us notice and respond more?

Notice the nonverbals. 

When we see our fellow pilgrims pull away, we often feel awkward inquiring. Everyone wants to be seen. Hagar praised El Roi as “the God who sees me.” The woman with the issue of blood not only was healed, but now she could be a part of a community seen for who she was, not the disease she had. Check in on the person in the way you think would serve them best, not you. Some of us are texters, some callers, and some are face-to-face people. Ask for discernment and wisdom of words. 

Refrain from problem-solving. 

Most encouragement blooms to its fullest potential with more words of affirmation than in offering suggestions for solving what has caused the need for encouragement. Speak truth about the good things. “The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still,” Exodus 14:14. Pray for wisdom to address the discouraging things and let God do the handiwork of growing both you and this person. Faith and hope will grow. 

Make all things common. 

Barnabas is remembered in Acts 4:36 as the son of encouragement because he was willing to share what he had as if nothing belonged to him alone. He laid it all at the apostles’ feet. When someone knows that you are willing to sacrifice for their good, that is the ultimate encouragement; it’s overwhelming in the most positive of ways. 

May we be willing to lay all our earthly treasures and accolades at the feet of others who need moments of being seen, not just by El Roi but by those walking along beside them on this path of bringing others into the light. 

 

About the Author

Dana Welty is a seasoned educator and currently teaches Kindergarten in St. Petersburg, Florida. She spends her days being the Pied Piper, leading her students to the amazing things in the world that God has created and transformed, while building a strong academic foundation for their transformation as well. She has been a part of a minister’s family throughout childhood and by marriage. Dana earned her B.A. in communication with an emphasis in theatre and her Master’s degree in education from Freed-Hardeman University.