By Tony Martin
Associate Editor
The Boomerang of Kindness
Encouragement is like a heavenly boomerang. You toss it out there and it comes swinging back, often right when you need it the most — but what about those times when you’re standing there, arm outstretched, and nothing comes back?
You’re going through a rough patch, and yet you hear the words of the Bible reminding you: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV).
The ‘Jesus Factor’
Let’s consider Jesus for a moment. He’s hanging on the cross — a situation where you wouldn’t expect much encouragement to be handed out — and yet He comforts the thief beside Him, promising him paradise.
If Jesus can find it within Himself to encourage others even in His final, pain-filled moments on the cross, surely we can find ways to encourage from our computer keyboard or over a cup of coffee.
Recharge to Encourage
Picture yourself as a smartphone for a moment. Even phones as powerful as a smart phone needs to recharge so they can send out all those uplifting texts and calls. Take some time to refuel yourself through prayer, Scripture, and community.
This isn’t about giving from a place of emptiness, but rather recharging through divine connection and then sharing what overflows.
Been There, Felt That
When you’re in a difficult spot, you gain a unique perspective. Your words of encouragement carry weight because you’ve walked a similar path. Paul captured this well when he talked about: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 ESV).
The Encouragement Domino Effect
Imagine you’re having a tough day but decide to text a friend with a Bible verse that has lifted your spirits in the past. Your friend, feeling encouraged, decides to call their mom to share some love. Mom, now feeling cherished, compliments a coworker. The coworker, feeling affirmed, goes home and gives his kids an extra hug.
Encouragement is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
Sowing and Reaping: the Eternal Loop
We can’t forget the age-old biblical principle of sowing and reaping. While it’s not a transaction — God isn’t a divine vending machine — it’s a principle that stands the test of time. Sow encouragement and you will also reap it eventually. Maybe not immediately or in the form you expect, but God is faithful.
We’re All in This Together
Finally, let’s remember that encouragement isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s a collective mission. You lift someone up today, and someone might do the same for you tomorrow. Sometimes the most significant encouragement comes directly from God, providing you that much-needed boost.
Ready to throw that encouragement boomerang again? It might just return to you sooner than you think, and perhaps right when you need it the most.
Opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, The Baptist Record, nor the publication’s Advisory Committee. The author may be contacted at tmartin@mbcb.org.
