Can you imagine not having anyone to talk to? Deep down you are struggling and you don’t know what to do? Maybe too scared to share what’s going on?

I had a dear acquaintance that unfortunately let her struggle get the best of her.

I still can’t believe it.

No one knew that she was struggling.

I am determined more than ever to be an encourager and a listening ear to those around me.

Yesterday, Dr. David C. Gibbs, Jr., of Christian Law Association, preached two powerful messages, but I will be focusing on the first one for this post.

He spoke about edifying one another. Being an encouragement three ways:

1) Words

What we say can either build up or destroy.

Col. 4:6

            “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

2) Countenance

Our facial expressions are a billboard for God (hopefully)

There’s nothing wrong with having a smile on your face and sharing it with others!

  Prov. 15:13

                “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

3) Presence

Just being there can be encouraging. Nothing can take the place of our presence.

This past weekend and even now, I can’t help but think about this dear lady and whatever she may have been struggling with. No one knew except God.

That scares me. How many people am I surrounded by that need a quick smile or word of encouragement?

So many people need encouragement, and yet we are glued to our phones or don’t think twice about avoiding people in the store, church, etc. because we don’t feel like talking.

Being completely  honest, I have been so selfish. I hesitate to encourage by the way people treat me, but it shouldn’t be that way.

“Oh, that person just looks like they want to be left alone”.

“Ugh, what would I say that could be encouraging but not come across awkward in the middle of this store? Nothing? Well, guess I won’t say anything then”.

I talk myself out of saying something that could be encouraging.

Why?

Because I don’t want to come across as a fool.

Who does (?), but that’s not the point.

What is a smile or kind word compared to what the martyrs did to defend their faith?

Can you imagine if our word of encouragement was used by God to save someone’s life?

We may never know the impact of our words, countenance and presence.

We all seem to have busy schedules that don’t allow time to show up when people really need us.

A smile and kind word takes less than a minute. Showing up for someone will mean more to them than we will ever know, but it will be worth it.

So, today let’s be on the lookout for someone that we can be an encouragement too!