An Easy and Effective Way to Encourage the Body of Christ

Think back to the last time you were introduced, or introduced yourself, to someone new at church. When you left the conversation did you know more about that person or did he or she know more about you? It’s very natural and easy to talk about ourselves. We are our favorite subject. Our own thoughts, opinions, and stories seem important and worth sharing. It takes self-discipline to not make a conversation all about us. This is human nature, and everyone can relate. 

The good news is that once we become a Christian, God begins the work of sanctifying us. We have new hearts and new desires and a new purpose, which is to glorify Him. We are now slaves to righteousness instead of slaves to sin. Instead of looking to find approval from man, we now have our identity in Christ. Instead of seeing other people as need-meeters, we can sacrificially give of ourselves for the benefit of another person. Romans 15:5-7 reminds us that God will give us grant us the ability to encourage others:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Here’s an age-old tip for encouraging those at church you don’t know as well– ask people questions about their lives. It may seem like a simple idea, but many people today do not know how to engage in a “get to know you” conversation. If someone asks you three questions, try to ask three questions back to them. The goal of being a good question asker is not just to learn information. The goal is to be involved in others’ lives so we can fulfill the one-anothers of the New Testament. It’s hard to love others when we don’t know anything about them! As we ask questions of people, we also want to be good listeners. We want to make it easy for people to share, whether about their vacation plans or a difficult trial they are enduring.

As an introvert, asking people questions sometimes does not come naturally to me; it takes effort. But as a believer what does come naturally to me is a desire to encourage someone if they are struggling, rejoice with someone if they are celebrating, and speak truth to someone if they are questioning. I may have to do what seems uncomfortable in the short-term in order to make someone else feel welcome and known. I am compelled to move towards a new face just as God, in his grace and mercy, moved towards me. 

Written by Casey Davidson