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Q. How can I become an effective encourager?

A. First, be a cheerleader. Most of us are avid sports fans who invest money, time, and energy into cheering our favorite teams to victory. The home team always enjoys this enthusiastic encouragement. Cheering is important to the success of a player (friend).

Then, be intentional. Most of us live such busy lives that we simply don't notice others' needs. It takes thoughtful time and energy to be a true encourager. We need to recognize we are called to be encouragers, to build each other up, to bear one another's burdens.

Be simple. Encouragement is the opportunity to openly express praise for a job well-done and compliments for the value of their service. It is positive feedback.

Be sensitive. An encourager's response must be well-tuned and suited to the circumstances. Sensitivity requires a real awareness of situations and a basic knowledge of how people feel in different circumstances. All of these play a vital role in creating the right atmosphere.

Be transparent. As people face their own challenges and failure, the simple act of being vulnerable and sharing personal examples creates openness in the communication process. Someone facing difficulty needs to be reminded of the challenges and failures that hurt us all.

And finally, be available. Take a look around. There's a world of needs out there. Pick someone out—then give them your best. Be available to the opportunities the Lord gives us to encourage others.

Ken Sutterfield is director of the Ozark Conference Center in Solgohachia, Ark.

Adapted from: The Power of an Encouraging Word (New Leaf, 1997) with permission.

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, move me beyond preoccupation with myself to affirming and bolstering others.

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