Is there a friend in your life who could use a little (or a lot) of encouragement? Life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows. Sometimes it’s easy to be a friend through the ups and the highs, but we might struggle to reach out through the downs and the lows. Do you have a friend who is hurting? grieving? struggling? Maybe you have a friend who is overwhelmed with a toddler and a new baby. Perhaps you have a friend who is discouraged by a recent setback. Whatever the circumstance, find a way to encourage your friend. Need an idea or two?
Today I am sharing 5 ways to encourage a friend.
Text (or call).
I’m sure you know your friend well enough to know if a text or a call is most convenient for them. A friend with many young children probably appreciates a text message. A single friend who just had surgery might prefer a call. Whether you choose to text or call doesn’t really matter. Taking the time to send a message of encouragement is what’s really important. Text them a joke. Write out a prayer. Call and be a listening ear. The moment you feel prompted to send a text or make a call, do it. Your friend (and you) will be happy you did!
Send a note.
I know, I know, a note?? Isn’t that so much work and didn’t I just say you could call or text. Yes, a text or a call are great options. A note or letter is the unexpected choice. How fun to receive mail that isn’t a bill or an advertisement! Run to your nearest Dollar Tree and buy a pack of beautiful note cards for (suprise!) a dollar and send your friend a word of encouragement. Notes and letters don’t have to be a thing of the past. Encourage a friend this week with a simple but meaningful note.
Make a meal.
Making dinner tonight? Why not make a double batch and drop the extras at your friend’s home? The meal does not have to be extravagant or expensive. Keep it simple. You might even choose to order a pizza or some other take-out option. If making a meal doesn’t work, consider baking cookies or muffins. Bringing a food item or meal to a friend lets them know you are thinking of them in a very practical way.
Give a gift.
A small gift given at a time other than a birthday or celebration is a great way to encourage a friend. A small plant, a favorite magazine, a fragrant candle or even a cup of coffee from the local cafe are just a few simple gift ideas. If a friend is sick with a cold you could put together a little “get well” basket with items like tissues, cough drops and chapstick. A small, thoughtful gift can quickly brighten the day!
TIME.
Encourage a friend with time, specifically your time. You might be tempted to say, “I’m just too busy!”, but I won’t allow you to say that. Just kidding! You can say that, but I would encourage you to make space in your day and week for a friend. Giving of our time and energy is a sacrifice, but it’s a beautiful act of love. Make time for a friend this week, and see what it does for her (and you).
I hope that something on this list inspires you to be an encouraging friend. It’s something I want to work on in my own life. I want to be an encourager. I want to push aside the busy and see my friends, be there for my friends, encourage my friends. Let’s all make a little time to encourage a friend today!
What about you? How do you encourage your friends? How have you been encouraged?
Until next time,
Charissa
This is such a great reminder over the holidays especially!
Thanks, Vicki!
I love sending mail! What a lost art and great suggestion. I also think the gift of time is the best gift you can give.
Hi, Lindsay! I love receiving special mail! Time is truly a great gift.
What great reminders!
Thanks, Ashley!
Yes!! Love these tips – we can get so busy in our lives that we need our friends! I love the idea of sending a note instead of a text. So important to remember!
Hi, Kim! Yes, texting has its advantages, but a note is such a nice expression of care and thoughtfulness!
This is such a wonderful reminder!
Thanks, Brittany!
Thanks, Brittany.
I love this! Sometimes the smallest gestures can mean the world!
Yes, Stephanie, the smallest and simplest gestures often mean the most!
Great tips! I need to do these more for my friends.
Hey, Melissa, I also can be doing more of these for my friends.
Thanks for such a great reminder. I’ve had a best friend for a decade and sometimes I need to remember to put my busy life aside and just give her a call!
You are welcome, Elizabeth!
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on encouragement because you have been such a source of encouragement in my life.
Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate that. Blessed to have you in my life!
Taking a moment to reach out to a friend is so important. I think time spent together is so important!
Yes, Naya, time together builds and strengthens relationships.
These are great! I always say a text takes two seconds but can mean so much 🙂
Yes, Bethany, I am thankful for texting because it can allow us to reach out and connect quickly.
this is an awesome reminder!thank you for sharing.
You are welcome, Rojielyn
love this! sometimes we all need that little bit of a pick me up from our pals
Yes, Brittany!
Those are wonderful ways to encourage friends. A nice note is so personal and touching, people of all ages can still appreciate those! A text to let someone know you’re thinking of them is great too when they’re going through a difficult time. I agree we should know our friends or at least take into consideration their situations to know whether a text or call is best.
hi, Bonnie! Lots of different ways to let someone know we care, that’s for sure.
I love getting notes in the mail, I’ll have to remember to do this more often. My favorite way to encourage a friend is to bring them a meal like you mentioned. As a busy momma myself, I know those days where things just aren’t going right are made so much better when my hubby comes home and cooks for me.
Hi Rebekah, yes, even the simplest note can mean a lot to a friend who needs encouragement! Gotta love a hubby who cooks!