Encouragement Checklist

Do you ever wonder how you can encourage others?

The command to "encourage" others is found throughout the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11-2, Paul gives many specific examples of how we can encourage others. 

The best way to show this to you is to make an encouragement checklist. Looking at this list really helped me pick a part different ways that I can encourage others. The cool part about encouraging others is that everyone can do it. Encouragement is a spiritual gift of some people which makes some people better at it, but we can all do it. 

Just because you aren't gifted in certain areas doesn't mean you can't do certain things.

1. Reference - 5:11

Example - Build each other up

Application - Point out to someone a quality you appreciate about him or her.

2. Reference - 5:12

Example - Respect leaders

Application - Look for ways to cooperate.

3. Reference - 5:13 

Example - Hold leaders in highest regard

Application - Hold back your next critical comments about those in positions of responsibility. Say "thank you" to your leaders for their efforts.

4. Reference - 5:13

Example - Live in peace

Application - Search for ways to get along with others.

5. Reference - 5:14

Example - Warn the idle

Application - Challenge someone to join you in a project 

5. Reference - 5:14

Example - Encourage the disheartened

Application - Encourage those who are disheartened by reminding them of God's promises.

6. Reference - 5:14

Example - Be patient 

Application - Think of a situation that tries your patience, and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.

7. Reference - 5:15

Example - Resist revenge 

Application - Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.

8. Reference - 5:16

Example - Be joyful

Application - Remember that even in the midst of turmoil, God is in control.

9. Reference - 5:17

Example - Pray continually 

Application - God is always with you - talk to him.

10. Reference - 5:18

Example - Give thanks

Application - Make a list of all of the gifts God has given you, giving thanks to God for each one.

11. Reference - 5:19

Example - Do not quench the Spirit

Application - Cooperate with the Spirit the next time he prompts you to participate in a Christian meeting.

12. Reference - 5:20

Example - Do not treat prophecies with contempt

Application - Receive God's word from those who speak for him.

13. Reference - 5:22

Example - Reject every kind of evil

Application - Avoid situations where you will be drawn into temptation 

14. Reference - 5:23

Example - Count on God's constant help 

Application - Realize that the Christian life is to be lived not in our own strength but through God's power. 

If you made it through the entire list, I am sure you noticed that it was very detailed. My challenge to you for today or even this week is to try and do a couple of those. Maybe start with one. It's amazing what happens in your own heart when you encourage others. There is a feeling about it that makes you want to keep doing it over and over again. Just try it out! Before it is too late, just try doing it. Encouraging others is one of the best feelings and you don't want to miss out on that feeling, I can promise you that.

When you start doing a couple of the things on this list, you will begin to do more and more. It takes some time, but once you get it down, watch out! 

God is pleased when we love others, and encouragement is one of the best ways to show Christ's love.