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Did you know that encouragement is one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible? Just like hospitality, leadership, prophecy, healing, or giving, encouragement is a gift from God.
You might think, "Well, I don't have that gift. I have the gift of criticism!" But 1 Corinthians 14:1 urges us to follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.
Romans 12:6-8 reminds us that we all have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith. If it is serving, then serve. If it is teaching, then teach. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement (emphasis mine). And the passage goes on to mention other gifts like giving, leading, and showing mercy.
So, even if you don't consider yourself an encourager, if you desire the gift of encouragement and ask God for it, He will give it to you! Just like we seek to become more generous or better leaders, we can seek to have the gift of encouragement.
When you embrace the gift of encouragement, God will use it to touch the hearts of your family. Your words of affirmation, support, and love will have a profound impact on them, building them up and bringing them closer to God.
So, eagerly desire and embrace the gift of encouragement, and watch how God uses it to transform your relationships and bring joy and hope to your family.
