Blanchard, Hodges and Hendry recognize encouragement as another “DOING” characteristic of Jesus in their book “Lead Like Jesus.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV: May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
I get it, men; we don’t want to be fake with our encouragement. We want to be authentic. Let’s lean into the Holy Spirit to prompt us in those times that we have opportunity to support and encourage others. Sometimes encouragement is simply being present for someone else. Simply listening. Simply praying.
Validate others by catching them doing something right, something God-honoring and bless them with the recognition of what they did. Our encouragement can be a tangible way for others to experience the love of God.
Men – let’s step into those opportunities to express our hearts to others … “I love you,” “Great job,” “I love spending time with you,” “You have a wonderful smile,” “I love how you love others.” “You bless me.”
