More from Monica A. Andermann

While I was growing up, most of the adults around me only offered encouragement in carefully measured doses and their criticism was not gentle. It was thought that by encouraging and complimenting, a child would rest on their laurels and not aspire toward more. However, there was one person in my world who came from a different school of thought—my Sunday school teacher Miss Mildred. She intrinsically saw the good in each of her teen-aged students and made sure that we knew how valuable we were to her, ourselves, and to God. She was my encourager, gave me confidence, and bumped up my self-assurance. I often say that in this way, she turned my life around.

Encouragers have been turning things around for thousands of years. Timothy (see 1 Thess. 3:2), Tychicus (see Eph. 6:21-22), and the pair of Judas and Silas (see Acts 15:32) are some inspiring Biblical examples. They went forward to assist in spreading the word in a sometimes less than accepting world—a heavy responsibility to say the least.

Don’t we all still carry a heavy load at times? Sometimes we need encouragement, but at other times we need to share encouragement. The other night, I watched as the tears of a mother concerned for her troubled daughter were dried when a friend reached out in love with a hug and the simple phrase, “All will be well in God’s time.” Did that phrase take the burden away? No. But it gave the mother strength to continue to support her daughter through her difficulties. That moment was turned around.

A well-placed compliment, smile, favor, gift of an inspirational book or pamphlet, or even a heartfelt hug or pat on the back all have the ability to do the same. Proverbs 3:27 (NRSVUE) tells us, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” We’re called to do good not once in a while, or when we feel like it, or when it is convenient, but whenever we possibly can. Miss Mildred was my living example of the far-reaching benefits that can come as a result of doing good in that way. May I provide the same example for those who cross the path of my life’s journey.

“Keep alert; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first fruits in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to put yourselves at the service of such people and of everyone who works and toils with them.” — 1 Corinthians 16:12-16 (NRSVUE)