Ways To Give

Thanksgiving Reversal

Written by Gail Rodgers

Feeling lonely on Thanksgiving? You’re welcome to join our online chat room, or contact a mentor if you’d prefer to talk with someone privately by email.

“Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13)

A word or act of encouragement has the ability to uplift the spirit. Encouragement can be a lifeline. It can raise hope and thanksgiving in a heart that is otherwise bleak.

Intentionally offer encouragement to someone today and help make their heart thankful. It will build within your own heart a reservoir of hope as well.

The Art of Encouragement has three main avenues.

1. Giving Support.

Look for ways to come alongside those in your life and affirm them in what they are doing. Become a cheerleader for those you love as they move through life stretching to meet new opportunities. Actively look for ways to polish up the creativity and efforts of those in your circle as they seek to grow.

Recently my daughter gave me a card that said, “I see how much you put your heart into your work.” That simple acknowledgement encouraged me to keep going and filled me with thanksgiving. Never underestimate the value of sincere words that build up.

2. Showing Honor. Take note of character qualities in people. Watch for courage, strength, wisdom, patience, cheerfulness, honesty, compassion, kindness and gentleness. When you find yourself noticing an admirable quality in another human being take the time to acknowledge it. Be especially ready to polish up these values in those nearest and dearest to you. It will make a difference in your relationship.

It is never too late to recognize and honor the character traits you admire. The other day my mom answered the door and there stood a man with two dozen roses. He said “Fifty years ago this month two fine people took in three hildren who really needed help. Your kindness and love have never been forgotten.” He was one of those three children. My mom and dad were really touched and felt so honored by this gentleman.

3. Bringing Hope. The third level in the Art of Encouragement is that of giving hope. When hard times come and discouragement settles over the soul, a word of hope can keep one pressing on. A word of hope says, “You’ll make it through.” A word of hope says, “I believe in you.” A word of hope says, “God is with you and will help you.”

Hope, coupled with faith in God, is a mighty power in our lives. Hope in ourselves alone just isn’t enough when the journey gets hard. Hope in God and in His power and strength to meet our needs is true encouragement for the soul. It will reap a harvest of thanksgiving.

Father God,
Open my eyes to see where I can encourage today in order to help thanksgiving overflow in another’s heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Questions: Is there someone you know who needs to be encouraged by an act of support? How could you show an act of honor to someone who has helped you in the past? Is there a Thanksgiving Day that you remember above all others? Why?

About this Author: Gail Rodgers

Tags: Devotional, encouragement, faith, gail rodgers, giving, God, honor, hope, lonely, support, Thanksgiving, Women

4 Responses to “Thanksgiving Reversal”

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• sharon b says:

  November 29, 2009 at 2:01 pm

  thank you and i know just who it is that needs my support and incourgement and i am going to do more about it.
• Trisha says:

  November 26, 2009 at 10:43 am

  Thank you Gail for reminding me to support others. Too many times i get caught up in self pity and how things aren’t working out for ME and don’t use enough of God’s compassion for others. My thoughts tend to be on the narcisstic side and i don’t SEE or FEEL the needs of others bec i’m too focused on my own. Please pray the LORD help me with this. “Rejoice again i say Rejoice!”
• Em says:

  November 26, 2009 at 10:41 am

  Thanks for reminding us, as Christians, to not only look out for ourselves but after others. Increasingly, this is becoming harder in this generation (with all the media, society, focus on ths self). May God continue to touch & bless us to bless others. Happy Thanksgiving!
• La says:

  November 26, 2009 at 6:45 am

  I think I will open my heart today to someone who is deserving of my honor to them! I may not have done this if it weren’t for this devotional, so thank you so much for the reminder of just how much a [[[kind]]] word can do for the soul ~both on the giving and the receiving ends!! Ahh “The Art of Encouragement”. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

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