Learn Encouragement: 9 Ways to Build Up OthersSample

Be Disciplined

We're back to talk more about the nine ways to build others up. There's a learning curve to building others up, requiring the spiritual discipline of encouragement. If an encouraging thought comes to mind, share it immediately. Waiting may lessen its impact. Don't let shyness hold you back; instead, form a new habit of daily encouragement. Discipline and being an encourager go hand in hand. Changing how we talk means changing how we think. If we've developed bad habits of not noticing when someone excels or not paying attention to others' positive traits, we may miss opportunities to encourage. It's crucial to stay aware and seize those moments, turning encouraging thoughts into immediate action. Discipline involves actively seeking and developing a sense for appropriate encouragement.

Let's delve into appropriate encouragement. This doesn't mean becoming an expert at flattery, which people can see through and may distrust. True encouragement involves genuinely noticing and appreciating people. How does appropriate encouragement as a discipline come into your life? It begins with learning to be a listener, to hear what others are truly saying before responding. Often, careful listening reveals key aspects of someone's heart that you can address with encouragement. Developing this discipline is both a prayerful and practical act. Seek out resources, talk to mentors, and learn from others who excel in this area. One of my mentors, Rich DeVos, exemplified this by always taking the time to encourage others, regardless of his own success. He saw the good in people and uplifted them to be who God created them to be. Today's focus is on discipline—learning the art of encouragement and boldly practicing it. If you aspire to be someone who lifts others up, commit to the discipline of encouragement.

Discussion Question: Can you think of a time when you missed an opportunity to encourage someone? What steps can you take to become more disciplined in recognizing and acting on those moments of encouragement?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of encouragement and the power it has to uplift and transform lives. Help us to develop the discipline to see the positive in others and to speak words of encouragement boldly and sincerely. Open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities You place before us each day, and give us the courage to act on them. Teach us to listen attentively and to appreciate the unique qualities in those around us. May our words and actions reflect Your love and grace, inspiring others to grow closer to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.