It’s Good to Be Queen

Say Something Nice

Say Something Nice

Say Something Nice

“True encouragement flows from the heart of God.” ~ It’s Good to Be Queen

Chapter Six: It’s Good to Encourage Others

When I’m asked, “What do you like to do for fun?” my standard answer is read long novels, travel to new places, and watch old movies. But my favorite thing to do is encourage people. Just the best.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (and free).

  1. Keep an eye out for people who need a little boost (we all do).
  2. Ask the Lord for the right thing to say that will lift their spirits.
  3. Share that encouraging thought for His glory and their pleasure.

Ta-da!
So simple, yet what a profound difference a few kind words can make.

  • For a young mother who’s fretful about her energetic kids giggling and wriggling in their seats at church, in a restaurant, at the movies:
    “Your children are so happy. You must be a terrific mom!”
  • For a woman whose downcast expression says she’s having a hard day at work:
    In case no one has mentioned this, you’re doing a great job.”
  • For a teenager who has that “I’m so ugly” look on her face:
    “Cute top! And the color matches your eyes perfectly.”

Look, this isn’t rocket science. Just say something nice. It costs nothing, yet might be worth everything to the other person, whether friend or stranger.

Encouragement is optimism in action

Check out the queen of Sheba—a true encourager in action.

“How happy your people must be!
How happy your officials,
who continually stand before you
and hear your wisdom!”
1 Kings 10:8

Love all the exclamation points! This is one enthusiastic woman here. “O the happiness of thy men” (YLT) and “How blessed are your staff!” (ISV).

She could have praised Solomon directly, privately. By praising him and his followers openly, she made lots of people happy, rather than just one. Smart.

For two months or more, Sheba had listened to Solomon’s powerful, God-soaked wisdom. We’re seeing the fruit of it in this verse: honest praise, genuine encouragement.

The Lord calls, equips, and empowers us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Though it might be easier to say nothing, how much better to say something. To get our focus off ourselves and on others. To look for ways to lift up rather than tear down. To whisper words from God and bring refreshment to a parched soul.

I see you, nodding your head. You get this. You do this. God bless you for sharing your gift!

Suppose I answer one of our Study Guide questions? Then I hope you’ll do the same. We’re on this journey together, beloved.

2 Corinthians 13:11

From the Study Guide

2. c. When and how did someone offer you genuine encouragement that provided a strong foundation on which you could build?

The first time I shared my testimony on Thanksgiving Eve 1982, I was not a public speaker, so my nerves were a wreck. Couldn’t eat, sleep, think. Was such a new believer, I wasn’t entirely sure what a testimony was.

Still, my pastor, Bob Russell, invited me, believed in me, and trusted me. My knees were unsteady as I climbed the few steps to the platform and turned to face the audience. All at once, a sense of peace washed over me. Five minutes later, when I returned to my seat, still trembling, Bob leaned over and said, “I believe this is what God is calling you to do.”

“No way!” I whispered back. “I haven’t eaten in three days!”

Clearly, that problem has been solved (smile). I’m also certain the Lord spoke directly through Bob that day to encourage me, because I haven’t stopped speaking since!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for pouring out words of encouragement through Your children to bless others. Help us never hold back, worrying about what people will think or how they’ll react. Give us the courage to take the risk and speak up. May it never be about making us look good, but about making Your goodness shine in a world full of darkness and discouragement. Remind us everywhere we go, everyone needs a word from You.

"Encourage one another daily..." Hebrews 3:13

Now, it’s your turn

Is encouraging people one of your natural or spiritual gifts, or is that something you would like God to help you with? Thanks for sharing your thoughts below!

Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs
Your sister, Liz Curtis Higgs BibleGateway Blogger Grid I am honored to write for P31 Ministries Love being part of (in)courage!

Wallpaper "It's Good to Encourage Others"P.S. Hop over to Vimeo for my brief, free video teaching on Chapter Six. Here’s this week’s wallpaper for your smart phone or tablet (isn’t the lavender delicious?). And, if you follow me on Facebook, I’ll be celebrating the beauty of October with a favorite autumn photo and quote every morning!

Ohhh, October!

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