Similar to the commands in scripture to love, forgive, and serve, the instruction to give thanks (encouragement) does not depend on one’s feelings. It is something we are called to do whether we feel like it or not. In this way, encouragement is a discipline. Like any athletic or academic discipline, spiritual disciplines are practices that help us reach a goal we could not otherwise reach.
Just this week in the midst of Covid-19, a mother of three boys shared with me how unexpected surprises came from encouraging her boys to encourage others on the street. This mother knew the value that when things were tough, she should encourage her boys to serve and help others. But she had no idea that her boys would catch this lesson from new-found acts of service to their neighbors on the block. The boys were becoming frustrated and wanted things to do. As a result of their mother’s challenge to serve others on the block, they learned first-hand the value of finding encouragement from encouraging others.
So, what is the goal behind the discipline of encouragement? Giving encouragement allows us to see the light of God in a world often filled with shadows and doubt. It trains not just young kids, but adults as well, to recognize hope amidst the despair, to smile amidst suffering, and to know the reality of God’s presence even when He seems distant. Simply put, practicing encouragement teaches us how to walk in faith and focus on others when we so easily can focus on ourselves.