How often do you take the time to encourage others? What prevents you from giving others the encouragement that they need?

Consider how encouragement benefits others? How can it benefit you? In the Bible it says, "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."(Proverbs 11:25). How can encouraging another help you to focus more on God's love and power in your life?

If being encouraged though a tough time helped you get through your situation, then picture how much of a difference encouragement could make in someone else’s life. As you go through hard times, God may teach you some precious truths that encourage and comfort you. They are not just for you; they are intended to be shared with others in an appropriate time and manner. Who is someone you know that needs encouragement? How can you encourage him/her? Is there a truth about who God is that has encouraged your heart, and if so, can you share it with a friend who is finding life difficult right now?

How often do you let others know that you support them in what they’re doing? How can you live a lifestyle of encouragement? How can encouraging others strengthen your relationships? List three practical ways that you have been encouraged, or that you could encourage someone else.

Think about a time when one's presence simply made you feel better. You don’t have to have fancy words to say to them; your friendship is the greatest thing you can give. How can you learn to better encourage your friends who are going through a tough time?

How are you building up the people around you right now? How could God help you to do this to the best of your potential?

Consider if encouragement comes naturally to everyone. Do you think encouragement takes time and effort? Why or why not? What can you do next time you don’t feel like giving a word of encouragement to someone else? Where can you draw strength from which to encourage others?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11; what is the result of encouraging others? Everyone likes to hear that they are appreciated and that they are not alone in the midst of their suffering. How can you be the one to deliver that news?