Random Acts Of Encouragement

Friday November 17, 2023
 

 Two women who went to a Tim Horton's coffee shop, bought many doughnuts and cups of coffee and began to give them out to people who were coming in as a "random act of kindness."  The story made the evening news.  Other stories are told of people who have paid for the next person's gas at the gas pump, or of someone who picked up the dinner tab for another table at a restaurant.  These are people who are giving just to be generous.  In some instances, it is in response to something lovely that has been done for them.  

We also too often hear stories of people who are complaining and condemning others for what they did or didn't do.  Sometimes it seems that no one can get it right.  What would happen if each of us were to change our perspective, seek out the good, encourage others and start a cycle of "random acts of encouragement?"  What if we were to take the ordinary circumstances of our day and let them be opportunities to encourage others with words of appreciation? 

 

Jesus said: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”  If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.  (John 13:34-35, Galatians 6:3, 10 NLT)
Encouragement can be offered in a variety of ways: a word, a note, a prayer, a phone call, a visit, providing meeting information, or even accompanying the person to a meeting or appointment they may have. We can be a part of a support network for others in the same way that we have been supported in our recovery.  We will experience encouragement ourselves as we offer encouragement to others.

 

Prayer:  Gracious God, Thank you for loving and encouraging me. Prompt me to be aware of the helpless and lonely people around me and to tell them how to find new life in You. Amen


 

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