“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

 Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) 

Hey, folks! Today, let’s dive deep into the beauty of those little gestures that stir up big waves: encouragement in our daily journey. Our inspiration? Hebrews 10:24, nudging us, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Have you ever been encouraged by a simple act of kindness? Maybe a friend gave you a pep talk when you were feeling down, or a coworker offered to help you with a project that was stressing you out. These small acts of encouragement can make a big difference in our lives, and they are something that we should all strive to do more of.

The Bible tells us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). This means that we should be intentional about encouraging others, and we should do it in a way that is loving and supportive.

I can remember when I was going through a hard time at work. My boss at the time did not like me, those around me told me that he was jealous of my relationships in the company, and I had nothing to worry about. But I was still stressed. 

Then one day the president of the company came over to my office and asked if I had time to chat. Of course, I had time for the president of the company.  As he sat down, he said that it was not a figment of my imagination, my boss was going to try to make me quit or get me fired so I needed to keep my nose clean for the immediate future. 

Then he told me something that I will never forget. He said, “Dan you have something that he will never have. Integrity. Honesty, and humility.  You have built relationships throughout this company with people on every level. I will make sure that he doesn’t take that away from you. But you have to do your part and not get upset. You have to control your temper and be the best Dan you can be.”

After those words of encouragement, I was sure that I could withstand any hurricane of lies and crap that my old boss would throw at me. Soon after that while I was on vacation, I got a call from the VP (my boss’s boss) he said, do you have time to chat Dan?  What do you say to that?????  Of course, I said yes, what up?

“Well, Dan there has been a complaint filed against you saying that you are not actually doing what you say you are doing while you travel around to all these locations.  You are treating it like a vacation, not a job. What do you have to say about that?”

I just told the truth, “I don’t think of it as a vacation, because I’m not traveling with my family. I am having fun and building relationships at every location. That was part of what I was tasked with was building relationships so that when I called and needed something done there were people in the area that could make it happen. Or would you at least try to make it happen. I have an idea, why don’t you call some of these locations where you have been told that I haven’t been doing what I was tasked to do in and see what they have to say about me? Don’t take Paul’s (my old boss) word for it.  Go straight to the source and see what others have to say.”

After that, I prayed for guidance.

I finished up my vacation, and when I got back, I got another call from the president (because I was traveling) well Dan looks like you won that battle Paul is no longer with the company. When the VP called the locations like you asked him to do, he found out that they all loved you and when we asked who was in the DOT department the only name anyone, he called in all 6 companies could name was you.  When he asked what they thought of you they ALL answered that you were amazing to deal with and VERY helpful. You have a way of making people want to do the right thing and you make it easy to learn.”

I didn’t tell you this story to run my old boss down, I didn’t tell you this story so that you would think I’m a great teacher, I didn’t tell you so that you would think that I am AMAZING (even though I am, just kidding). I told to you because of the fact that I had the courage to persevere through this persecution at my work because of the encouragement of the people around me, especially my now mentor. 

There are many ways to encourage others. You can offer a word of praise, write a note of appreciation, or simply take the time to listen to someone who is struggling. When you encourage others, you are not only making them feel better, but you are also helping to create a more positive and supportive environment.

Encouragement is a powerful tool that can have a lasting impact on our lives. When we are encouraged, we feel more confident, capable, and loved. We are also more likely to be kind, compassionate, and generous to others.

So, let’s all commit to encouraging others more often. Let’s be the people who make someone’s day a little brighter, and let’s create a world where everyone feels supported and loved.

Here are a few tips for encouraging others:

• Be specific. When you offer encouragement, be specific about what you are praising or appreciating. This will make the person feel more valued.
• Be genuine. Your encouragement should be genuine and heartfelt. People can tell when you are being fake, so don’t try to force it.
• Be timely. Encouragement is most effective when it is given in the moment. If you see someone struggling, don’t wait to offer your support.
• Be positive. Encouragement should be positive and uplifting. Avoid making negative comments or criticizing the person you are trying to encourage.

Encouragement is a powerful tool that can make a big difference in our lives. Let’s all commit to encouraging others more often, and let’s create a world where everyone feels supported and loved.