I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " Acts 20:35
Last time we considered simple yet effective ways to encourage others in the body of Christ. Here are a few more (and notice that so far these have only been about when we are together at church).
Look for guests & try to remember their names. We can talk to our friends at any time, but we may have only one shot at speaking to guests. I am grateful that our church family is generally very good at this! When introducing ourselves to our guests, besides giving them our first names, though this is hard for many of us, try to remember their names. The simplest way to do this is to use their names several times in that first encounter. It is amazing how much people are encouraged when someone remembers their names!
Look for people who are alone. In addition to greeting guests, look for people (individuals, couples, and even families) who are alone, and greet them. Two of our dear ladies recently approached a guest sitting by herself, and besides greeting her, they invited the guest to sit with them. The guest moved and a connection was made. That is encouraging!
Sit toward the front and near one another. It might surprise you to know that people in church are encouraged when they see people sitting up front and near one another. It sends an encouraging message that people are excited to be there. That kind of encouraging excitement is contagious. Conversely, when everyone sits toward the rear and we are all separated from each other, the impression is that we are a disinterested, stand-offish people. I know that there are practical reasons that sitting near the back is desirable (like having small children with you), but unless there is a practical reason, encourage others by moving forward.
Sing—robustly. When more people are singing—and are singing robustly—others are encouraged to sing. When fewer are singing, or cannot be heard, others are less likely to sing. Our singing encourages other people!
Pray for each other—on the spot. When talking with people at church, listen for prayer “set-ups.” If someone shares a need, say, “Let me pray for you right now!” and then pray there on the spot. If someone shares a bit of good news, say, “Let’s thank the Lord right now!” and then give thanks in prayer on the spot. You cannot convince me that is not encouraging!
Invite people to join you (at prayer meetings, Thursday evenings, & Home Fellowships). Whether people accept your invitations or not, people are encouraged when someone invites them to something. Being included is encouraging. And besides, the whole church is encouraged when there are more people at prayer meetings, Thursday evening worship, and Home Fellowships!
Remember, it is more blessed to give encouragement even than receiving encouragement!
Next time, encouraging with cards, emails, and calls.