"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."          

1 Thessalonians 5:11

  

Ken warmed my heart the other evening when he hugged me and said, "Joni, you may not be able to wash my shirts, but I just want you to know that I really feel your support."

  

Ken considers encouragement to be one of the best ingredients in our marriage. And it's not because I tell him he's a nice guy, a good teacher, or a great husband. For instance, as faculty advisor for the student government organization at his school, Ken recently had to organize an awards banquet. I decided that at the banquet I would not sit on the sidelines and just smile admiringly when he looked my way. I made a point of wheeling to each table to introduce myself to the parents of all his students. It was a special ministry to his kids, but mostly, it was an encouragement to my husband.

  

Later on when I congratulated him, he knew I meant it. Why? Because he saw me join him in the effort. Encouragement that builds people up is the kind that is not content to sit on the sidelines at a polite distance. Bodybuilding encouragement will always roll up its sleeves and put words into action.

  

When you give encouragement to your spouse or friend, give more than pleasant words. Take the initiative. Be creative. Look for a way of supporting your loved one in his or her efforts. With up-close and personal encouragement like that, you'll be doing more than lifting spirits, you'll be helping to build another's faith.

  

Let me encourage with Your healing touch, Lord, those who are wounded. Let me encourage those in grief with Your hope. And let me find ways to put this prayer into practice as I serve others in Your encouraging love.