“More people fail for lack of _______________ than for any other reason.”
–Ruth Bell Graham
What word would you put in that blank space? Possibilities include:
- Education
- Opportunity
- Effort
- Faith
Perhaps you can think of more. To be honest, the four determinants listed above can be difficult to provide. 1) College educations are expensive. 2) Opportunity often involves knowing the right people. 3) Effort and faith are personal choices.
But Ruth Graham did not give the highest value to any of those words. She chose…encouragement.
I’m struck by the simplicity of her statement. Unlike education, opportunity, effort, or faith, encouragement is something every one of us can provide for others.
And encouragement is sweet! It’s delightful to give and delightful to receive.
(“Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” — Proverbs 16:24).
One thing about honey, though. A little bit goes a long way. Same thing with our words, even words meant to encourage. There’s a thin line between having said just enough and having said way too much!
Perhaps you’re familiar with Diogenes’ adage:
(“We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.”)
King Solomon also shared wisdom regarding the words we speak: “The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words” (Proverbs 10:19, The Message).
So what measured words might be the most beneficial, as we seek to encourage others? These tips have been helpful to me; perhaps you’ll find them useful also.
- Affirmation. Statements that begin with, “God has SO gifted you with…” Then name the strengths, talents, and personality traits you see. Give examples of when you’ve seen those attributes demonstrated. Prove to them they are strong-spirited, intelligent, etc.
- The nice things we’ve heard about that person. Always pass on the positives!
- Stories of perseverance and faith, from our own experience or that of others. Our life lessons might provide just the uplift someone else needs, to give her new resolve and hope. (Just remember to keep it brief–no lengthy sermons!)
Encouragement may be quite easy to supply, but is nevertheless a precious and powerful gift.
It may keep someone from the cliff of failure.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Father, for the privilege of being your voice to minister to others. We pray for your Spirit’s wisdom and strength to work in us and through us as we offer encouragement. In the name of Jesus, amen.
What words of encouragement have been an inspiration to you? Tell us your story in the comments below.
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, because of wonderful friends like you and Steve, I have been greatly encouraged the last few days and have experienced the benefits of prayers sent up by many friends for both my husband and myself. Thank you so much for your love and for caring. Things are going extremely well. The nurse who attended him called this morning to see how things were going and could not believe what I told her. It is definitely the result of all the prayers. God did hear and indeed did answer. Thank you.
Praise God! What glorious news, Ruth. We’re excited FOR you that Charlie is doing so well.
Yes, we definitely need to add PRAYER to our list of ways to encourage! Thank you!
And we drink from the same fountain….words of encouragement can be a deliberate act of kindness. Thank you for this message.
You are very welcome, and thank YOU for stopping by. I’m so glad you found the post meaningful.
This is so good, Nancy. Your tips are wise–keeping a balance is tricky sometimes. In my zeal to encourage, I can produce far too many words. Brevity is an art form I am slowly learning! Excellent message, as usual. 🙂
Thank you, Rebeca. I appreciate your observation: “Brevity is an art form.”
Well said! I could have included listening as a way to encourage. Sometimes people just need a caring, supportive sounding board!
Encouragement. that is interesting. I have always thought encouragement was a real key but sounds like it is more vital than I expected. Ha, this post encourages me!
Praise God the post encouraged you, dear Jean! Ruth Graham does give us great motivation to be encouragers, doesn’t she.
Thanks Nancy, I will remember to do more encouraging. God bless you
Laura, you are a poster-woman for Encourager!
I very much enjoyed this posting, especially since encouragement is something that we all have at our disposal. We should look for ways to be a positive force and influence on those going through tough times. And what particularly caught my attention was your focus, Nancy, on the importance of being brief. As Thomas Jefferson said “The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.” And I thought of the quote from Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ (1602) “Brevity is the soul of wit.” In Shakespeare’s time the word ‘wit’ referred to .. articulate and intelligent communication (in both speech and writing). By keeping our words of encouragement to a minimum…you keep the listener’s attention…and he reaps the benefit more quickly. Finally, it seems to me that providing positive support is ‘being about our Father’s business’ and enriches the life of the giver as well as the receiver. (Sorry this comment wasn’t especially brief! LOL!!!)
WOW, Cheri! So much powerful truth in your comments! Love the quotes and the wisdom expressed in your statement: By keeping our words of encouragement to a minimum, the listener reaps the benefit more quickly. Never thought of that! A few wise words are easier to remember, therefore more likely to be acted upon. BTW, your comments are about as brief as possible, given all the rich content! Thank you and bless you, dear Cheri!
I get so much from your blog that enriches my life, Nancy. Bless you for your faithfulness…especially given this busy time of your life.