ENCOURAGEMENT

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill

Behaviorists say people who listen and express an interest in the other person instead of talking about themselves are usually perceived as more likable.

They also say simply smiling more has the same effect, whether you are a nice person or not. Don’t most of us think we are nice people? Why aren’t we all smiling? I’ve heard smiling makes fewer wrinkles than frowning so there’s that!

It’s also a great show of respect to allow people to enjoy their accomplishments without unsolicited advice on how they could do things the way you would do them. That is a form of condescension that can dull their joy. Why?

In a world full of fierce competition, encouragement is highly underrated! This people thing is hard! I know I have to tame the urge to insert my opinion far more than I should, but it’s worth the effort to keep still to see someone else shine. There’s a reason the Bible tells us to be encouragers to each other.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Let’s be sincere encouragers, and if you can’t, then do what Grandma said and don’t say anything at all. We can do this.