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Main Scripture:
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11, NKJV
Many people are carrying more than they say. A person may look composed on the outside and still be tired, discouraged, uncertain, or in need of support. A few thoughtful words, offered at the right time, can become a gift of grace.
This week’s spiritual practice is simple: encourage one person with a specific word, prayer, or act of support.
Encouragement does not have to be lengthy or elaborate. It may be a sentence spoken after church, a text message during the week, a short prayer, a note of appreciation, or a quiet reminder that someone is not alone. What matters is that the encouragement is sincere, specific, and offered in love. Paul writes, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. We are called to encourage one another, build one another up, and help one another remain steady in faith.
Encouragement is one way love becomes practical. It helps us pay attention to the people around us. It trains us to notice where someone may need courage, comfort, affirmation, or prayer. It also reminds us that our words can either add weight to someone’s burden or help them carry it with hope. This practice is closely connected to wholeness because our growth in Christ is never only private. God forms us in relationship with others. He teaches us to listen, notice, speak with care, and use our presence for the good of another person. Sometimes the Lord helps someone keep going through a word we are willing to offer.
What This Practice Is
Encouraging one person is the practice of offering a sincere word or action that builds up another person in the Lord. It may involve thanking someone for their faithfulness, naming a gift you see in them, praying for something they are facing, reminding them of God’s care, or simply letting them know that they matter. The goal is not flattery. The goal is to build up.
This practice can be especially helpful because many people go through the week carrying burdens quietly. A thoughtful word can help someone keep going, remember God’s faithfulness, or see themselves with renewed hope.
Try It This Week
Once this week, choose one person to encourage.
You might try this simple pattern:
- Ask God to bring someone to mind.
- Think about what that person may need: courage, comfort, appreciation, prayer, or support.
- Offer one specific word of encouragement.
- Keep it sincere and simple.
- If appropriate, let the person know you are praying for them.
- Follow through if there is a practical way to support them.
There are many simple ways to encourage someone. You might:
- send a thoughtful text
- thank someone for something specific
- tell someone how their faithfulness has helped you
- offer to pray with them
- check on someone who has been quiet
- share a Scripture that may encourage them
- write a short note of appreciation
- affirm a gift or quality you see in them
- follow up after a difficult conversation or season
- offer practical help if you are able
Your encouragement might sound like this:
“I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your faithfulness.”
“I see the way you keep showing up, and I thank God for that.”
“I know this season has been heavy. I am praying that the Lord gives you strength.”
“Your kindness made a difference to me.”
“I believe God is still at work in your life.”
“You are not alone in this. I am praying with you.”
Encouragement does not need to be long. It does need to be thoughtful. A short word, offered with care, can mean more than you realize.
Reflection Question
As you practice encouraging one person, ask yourself:
Who around me may need a thoughtful word of encouragement this week?
Pay attention to the people God has placed near you. Someone may need a word of appreciation. Someone may need prayer. Someone may need to be reminded that God has not forgotten them.
A Prayer for the Week
Lord, help me become more attentive to the people around me.
Teach me to notice those who need encouragement.
Give me words that build up and do not tear down.
Help me speak with sincerity, wisdom, and love.
Show me when to listen, when to pray, and when to offer support.
Use my words and actions to encourage someone this week.
Let my life reflect the kindness and care of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Closing Thought
This week, ask God to show you one person who needs encouragement. Offer a specific word, prayer, or act of support. You may not know how much it means, but the Lord can use a simple word of grace to help someone keep going.
A Note to Readers
A Note to Readers
The Dialogue begins on Tuesday, August 4.
The Dialogue is an online Bible study and formation community for people who want to grow in Christ through Scripture, spiritual practice, and thoughtful conversation. We will meet on the first and third Tuesdays from 7:00–8:30 p.m.
If this practice has been helpful to you, we would be glad to have you join us. You can learn more, explore the Christian Practices Library, and register for The Dialogue at wholenesspathway.org.
We would be honored to have you join us as we begin this new journey together.
