
I am issuing a challenge- to me, to you, to whoever would like to join! Random Acts of Encouragement! I challenge us to take time to deliberately encourage others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage each other and build each other up! I have compiled a list of some ideas. Some are on the spot, and some require some planning. You never know how much your act of encouragement will do in the life of the person who receives it. God can use you in ways you could never imagine if you allow Him.
If you have any other ideas let me know and I can add them to the list! I'd love to hear your stories of how you have encouraged someone or how they have encouraged you.
- Tell your spouse that you appreciate them.
- Tell your children that you are proud of them. .
- Leave a positive post-it note on your coworker’s computer.
- Give the waitress a double tip.
- Take the neighbor’s trash cans off the curb and place near home.
- Take time to listen intently.
- Notice the good things your spouse does and thank them instead of nagging or nitpicking
- Surprise pay for the car behind you in the drive through.
- Write a thank-you note and give it with some candy.
- Make a meal for a family with a newborn.
- Send a random text of encouragement to one of your contacts.
- Do a task that your spouse usually takes care of- dishes- ironing etc.
- Bake cookies and share them with a nearby nursing home.
- Pick 5 people and leave an encouraging comment on their Facebook wall.
- Ask someone how they are- and really listen when they answer.
- Pack small necessity bags and keep them in your vehicle for the homeless.
- Offer to babysit for a friend who needs a night off.
- Pray for that request and then let the person know you prayed.
- Send a small gift card and thank you note to someone.
- Give a sincere compliment.
- Smile at the cashier.
- Keep your cell phone in your pocket when someone is talking to you.
- Pray for someone when they request prayer- right on the spot.
- Take a flower to the hospital, even when you don’t know anyone who is a patient.
- Take a selfie with the “I Love You” sign and send it to your loved one.
- Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life. (ie: pastor, teacher, etc.)
- Allow the person behind you to go first.
- Call the oldest living relatives you have.
- Send anonymous flowers to someone
- Write a note and send it in the MAIL..
- Put an encouraging note in your child's lunchbox.
- See a need and fill it.
- Give hugs freely. (I would recommend this only to people you know ;-))
- Hold the door open for someone.
- Tell a mom that she is doing a great job.
- Make a cup of tea or coffee for a public service employee.
- Offer to replace someone’s shopping cart when they’ve unloaded.
- Let someone else make the choice.
- Compliment someone on social media.
- Give up your seat on the bus or shuttle.
- Give someone the gift of laughter- tell a joke.
- Round up a box of items to donate to a shelter.
- Talk to someone who appears lonely.
- Post an encouraging Bible verse for your social media status. (I have listed several below)
I hope that you’ll be blessed by reading and sharing the following encouraging Bible verses.
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27
May God, who gives us patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25
Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering. Isaiah 49: 13
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2
Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. Colossians 3:23
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5: 7
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Mark 9:23
Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Rom 8:37
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Psalm 121:2-3 –
No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Psalm 55:22
Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 2:18 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7
For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 2 Corinthians 4:17
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. Psalm 86:7
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. 1 John 4:4
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7