Sacrificial Love: Give Encouragement to Others

Many times I play tit-for-tat in my personal relationships. I’m not saying this is right, but I am admitting it happens. While I find it is easy to support those who support me back, that’s not who I want to be. I want to give encouragement to others whether or not the effort is reciprocated. 

This movement for change started during a Bible study several years ago called #struggles. Craig Groeschel talked about how we limit the good things we say on social media, including likes and shares, out of a scarcity mentality. Often, our interpersonal relationships reflect this kind of stinginess as well.

To illustrate, certain people invest in me regularly. How? Well, to start, they support my writing because it’s what matters most to me. This comes in all forms, from reading the weekly posts to asking me about my book. While some may not like my writing or my content, they still encourage my efforts. You don’t have to agree with someone to support what they do. It’s natural for me to gravitate toward these people.

Give Encouragement to Others

And, let’s be serious…it takes zero energy for someone to “like” a post on social media. Zero investment. How many times do we see negative things posted or those seeking to laugh at and bring people down? There’s a whole lot of effort to write a scathing post, but nothing at all to support the post of another. Is negativity easier than offering support?

Here’s the thing: everyone needs encouragement. We all doubt. Insecurity operates on a level playing field. Looking for ways to cheer others on is part of sacrificial love.

What is sacrificial love? In a word it’s empathy. Furthermore, it’s being willing to walk a mile in the other person’s shoes and cheer them on.

Sacrificial love is encouragement in whatever is important to the other person (notice it doesn’t have to be a shared interest). You can ask questions and support and inquire even when it doesn’t float your boat. Sacrificial love means thinking of the other person first (and not just those in your tribe).

For example, there are tons of people who post mother-child-rearing-content on social media. I’m not a mom, and I can’t relate to their struggles. BUT, I can appreciate their hard work. I can see how they make a difference in the lives of their children. And subsequently, I’m inspired. So, I let people know because encouragement kept to oneself isn’t encouragement at all. It’s a solitary thought with potential which dies because it never reaches its intended target.

How Do We Encourage?

I have several friends who literally “like” every post they come across. And, I love them for it. I strive to be more like them. To clarify, clicking the “like” button on social media is an effortless way to make someone feel heard. Why wouldn’t I want to make someone feel understood and appreciated? (I will never understand those who refuse to like posts as if it costs them money…it’s free, people!)

Apart from social media, how else can we encourage? I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Once every week or two, I literally text everyone in my message box and check-in with them. Some respond and others don’t, but I want them to know that I’m thinking about them and am interested in their well-being. In a world that can take us or leave us, communication with others is a big deal.

Four Ways to Give Encouragement to Others

Okay, so how can I become a stronger encouragement to others? Four ways:

• First, make a list of events or trials people have going on (I wish there was an app for being a good friend like remembering names of family members and birthdays). Additionally, pray through that list and try to check in with them every 2-4 weeks to see if they need anything or would like to praise/ vent.
• Second, always share good thoughts with others (I wrote a blog about this as the best way to a good life) and go out of my way to look for positive things to comment on.
• Third, make an investment in my mission field (my friends, my job, my neighbors) and really seek to get to know them (we can’t encourage people if we don’t know them). Really step out giving time and effort to others to see in what ways you can help.
• Lastly, create a list of friends (lots of lists in this post!) with whom you haven’t spoken in a while. Schedule time to catch up. In conclusion, make loving people through conversation a priority.

Say No to Negativity

There is so much negativity all around us. Some days I cringe on social media as humanity point fingers at everyone else (which solves nothing, people, nothing). Instead of commenting on this politician or that person’s post, let’s focus on how we can make a difference.

Give encouragement to others. Cheer someone else on. Sing praises loud and high for anyone and everyone who accomplishes something big and small (hey, I just vacuumed and with my schedule this week, that was a big score).

Celebrate wins. Listen. (Believe it or not, listening is a great form of encouragement).

Okay, I’ll get down off my soapbox. Love you guys!

K.