Hi friends! Long time no talk! I have been away from my blog for nearly two weeks and I don't like that feeling one bit. This was the biggest break I have taken in two years, and even though my time away allowed me to have some wonderful memories with several of my very best friends, I still missed the blogging world a lot. It feels good to be back.
Being with my friends always reminds me of how blessed I am and how many good gifts the Lord has given me. They remind me of all the years my mom spent praying for me to have good friends, and how many fun times my friends and I have shared throughout the years.
But after hanging out with good friends for a while, it can be really easy to become frustrated with people who aren't exactly my cup of tea. It's easy to compare them and wish they were like so-and-so, and it's so much easier to treat my best friends with love and encouragement than it is for me to treat someone who drives me nuts with the same sort of affection.
We all have people we don't like, or who drive us absolutely bonkers. And it's easy to push them aside and not give them the time of day. And when we aren't a fan of their personality or character, it makes sense that we wouldn't naturally shower them with as much love and encouragement. However, if I'm honest, I believe that we should be encouraging to everyone, as much as possible- not just to those who we like.
It may be difficult, and it probably won't be fun, but encouraging people who "don't deserve it" is part of being a follower of Jesus. Encouraging others on their journey is not something we should pick and choose. Keep reading to learn why.
We Don't Know What People Are Going Through
We never know what's going on in a person's life. We don't feel what they feel and we don't see through their eyes. And even if that person is over-dramatic and is playing up their struggles, there's still a reason they are like that. Even the fact that they feel the need to seek out so much attention has a deeper route.
Either way, encouraging others can help lift them up in a way they've never experienced, and it may help them towards overcoming their struggles- whatever they may be.
We May Be the Only Encourager In Their Lives
Have you ever known people who seem shocked when you show them the least bit of kindness? I've encountered multiple fast food workers who told me they were surprised by me simply because I smiled at them and asked them how they were doing.It's sad, but oh-so-true that many people don't receive much encouragement throughout their lives. They aren't complimented, they aren't challenged to do great things with their lives, and they aren't told that they matter. So guess what: That person who drives us nuts, that person who treats us poorly, and that person with the terrible attitude- they may be literally starved for encouragement. And guess what else: you and I could be the person in their life who gives them the encouragement they've been longing for.
We don't Decide Who's Worthy
Whether we like it or not, you and I don't get to decide whose worthy-God does. And when God sees us, He sees people in need of love, hope, and encouragement. As Christians, we are to be God's hands and feet, so if He sees people in need of love and encouragement, then we should be loving on people and encouraging them. People aren't worthy based on what we think about them- God determines their worth, and God determines how people should be treated. And guess what: God says to love them. God says to encourage them. And God says that it really doesn't matter if they are annoying and it really doesn't matter whether we feel they "deserve it" or not.So today, tomorrow, and everyday, remember that we are called to encourage others. It doesn't have to be anything grand. We all have different talents, abilities, and personalities and we aren't all equally gifted at being encouraging. But we are all still able to encourage others in small ways, no matter who the person is.
So whether it's your favorite person in the world, your least favorite, or someone in the middle, let's remember that everyone could use a little encouragement, and we don't determine who "deserves it".
Do you struggle to encourage others? Did you find yourself feeling inadequate to encourage others as you read through this post? I believe that anyone can be an encouraging person- it just takes work. So if you want to learn how to be more encouraging (or you need to be encouraged yourself), why not sign up for my free, three day email devotional? No spam, no constant heckling. Just a free devotional and a weekly newsletter with even more encouragement.