Words of Encouragement
Part 2
God is the Source of Hope & Encouragement
Flatter me, and I may not believe you.
Criticize me, and I may not like you.
Ignore me, and I may not forgive you.
Encourage me, and I will not forget you.
- William Arthur Ward
Opportunities to receive encouragement as well as
to give encouragement are all around us.
Look for them!
We see DIScouragement everywhere.
Look for ENcouragement everywhere.
If God is everywhere, then he is working everywhere.
Don’t miss what is right in front of you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
-Romans 15:13
Look again...
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
-Romans 15:13
The Bible is so important to our sense of
hope and encouragement.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
-Romans 15:4-6
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
-Proverbs 12:25
Basic Tips for Speaking Encouraging Words
“Direct” & “Indirect” words…
“Direct” words
Spoken directly to someone.
These are the best kind.
“Indirect” words
Spoken indirectly to someone through a third party,
either a person or a social media connection like group chats, facebook, etc.
“Indirect” words should be in addition to “direct” words not in place of them.
They can actually be discouraging if the person did not hear it directly from you.
Jesus’ Words of Affirmation in parable
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
-Matthew 25:23
To Some People
All you may need to say is, “Good job” for them to know that you are satisfied with something that they did. [Words of Affirmation]
To Most People
Say more.
Thank you for paying so much attention to all of the details and for all the work you did.
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary…. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; BUT those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
-Isaiah 40:28-31
God Encourages and so should we
One of the best ways to be an encouragement to other Christians is to simply live your life faithful to Jesus.
Have you ever thought of not encouraging others as sin?
“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”
-James 4:17
Jesus said; “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you"
-Matthew 7:12
Do you want and need to be encouraged?
Examples of Encouraging Words to Use for Special Occasions that I have written in cards, emails and texts through the years
Please adapt my words to your language, vocabulary and style of relating. I hope they spark your creativity. I tied each to an appropriate bible verse.
New Babies
As you await the arrival of God’s little blessing to you, may He give you patience and good health.
“I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
May the joy and anticipation of the arrival of your new baby cause your entire family to rejoice in the goodness of the Lord.
“…you shall rejoice in all the good things the LORD your God has given to you and your household.”
-Deuteronomy 26:11
As you anticipate an increase in your family soon, cherish the opportunity and privilege that God has provided you to be a parent.
“May the LORD make you increase, both you and your children.”
-Psalm 115:14
There is no better insurance than to know that the Lord will always watch over you and your precious new baby. Congratulations and God bless your new addition.
“The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life…”
-Psalm 121:7
As the Lord watches over you and your new baby, may you always feel His loving presence. Congratulations and God bless your new little addition.
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
-Psalm 121:8
What a blessing God has given you… And what a joy to know that He will never stop giving comfort, direction and protection. Congratulations!
“He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”
-Psalm 18:30
Birthdays
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
-Psalm 118:24
God rejoices in you and I do too. You are a special person.
Happy Birthday and God bless your birthday week.
God has brought so many “good things” to so many people through you. Happy Birthday and thanks for being awesome.
“Praise the LORD … who satisfies your desires with good things…”
-Psalm 103:1,5
I thank God for the time that I have known you. He has blessed me in so many ways through you. I treasure the times that he has given us. Happy Birthday… and may God’s hand of blessing be with you always.
“My times are in your hands.”
-Psalm 31:14-15
Weddings
May the Lord bless your marriage beyond all of your dreams.
(God is able) “to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
-Ephesians 3:20,21
Congratulations and God Bless your life together.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
-Psalm 118:24
What a special day God has made for a special couple. Thanks for the opportunity to share it with you. Congratulations and God Bless your life together.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
-Romans 5:15
Congratulations and God Bless your life together.
Anniversaries
It is clear that God’s grace and blessings have been shining upon you for years. Happy Anniversary.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.”
-Psalm 67:1
To look at your marriage and to see your family, is to see the work of God. Happy Anniversary.
“…the Lord’s love is with those who respect him, and his righteousness with their children's children…”
-Psalm 103:17
Throughout all of your experiences, God has been the Rock that has enabled you to enjoy the blessings that you have. Happy Anniversary and enjoy the experiences to come.
Jesus said; "A wise man… built his house on the rock…the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
-Matthew 7:24, 25
Thank You Notes
The Bible says; “It is by grace you have been saved through faith...not by works”
-Ephesians 2:8
But I love the works that you have allowed God to do through you in my life. Thank you for all that you have done. It has meant a lot to me.
I was just thinking of how awesomely God has blessed me through you. For all that I have received and for all that you have done, I am truly thankful.
“What do you have that you did not receive?”
-1 Corinthians 4:7
Thank you for your hospitality. You have shared of yourself and have done so much for me. This verse makes me think of you.
“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
-Romans 12:13
Good things from the Lord ought not be stored. Thanks for passing some of them along to me.
“Praise the LORD … who satisfies your desires with good things…”
-Psalm 103:1,5
You have been faithful in your generosity. For that I thank you and for that you will be blessed.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”
-Matthew 25:20-22
Thank you for your kindness. Your generosity is refreshing.
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
-Proverbs 11:25
You always seem cheerful, generous and so willing to give. Thank you for being that way. Thank you for giving of yourself.
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
-2 Corinthians 9:7
You are never more like Jesus than when you are giving. Thank you for being like Jesus to me.
Jesus said; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
-Acts 20:35
Thinking of You / Encouragement
With all that you have been going through, it’s clear that God has kept your hand strong and steady. Stay the course. I’m proud of how you are doing.
[Jacob’s] “… bow remained steady, his strong arm stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One…”
-Genesis 49:24
God is blessing you. You are doing so good. Keep it up!
“… He who began a good work in you will carry it on…”
-Philippians 1:6
I know it is hard. Continue to draw upon God’s strength and help. He is making many things better in your life.
“My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”
-Psalm 121:2
May the Lord show you his way.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
-Psalm 119:105
“May there be peace within your walls and security…."
-Psalm 122:7
I love you
I wish that I could be with you to do whatever I could, but until I can, I will pray every day for your peace.
“I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Peace to you.”
-3 John 1:14
May the Lord bless you and your entire family during this difficult time.
“The God of peace be with you all. Amen.”
-Romans 15:33
God calls out YOUR name.
God is not on the opposing team.
He’s on YOUR side.
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