5 Ways to Lift Up Someone

Although criticizing people has become a social norm, it’s not what we were created to do. In fact, we’re meant to encourage those around us, which means helping them recognize their value. In a catty society that encourages judgment and vengeance, it’s difficult to see others as God sees them: beautiful.

Everyone has been criticized at some point. What everyone really needs is encouragement. Here are some practical ways you can be encouraging:

Giving Love

Your friend may feel most encouraged when she receives gifts. Encouraging her with gifts doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, you don’t have to buy anything at all. She’ll appreciate the gesture and thoughtfulness of giving a gift because it shows you care.

Some inexpensive ways to encourage your girlfriend are to pick flowers, bake cookies or bring her chocolates and her favorite movie. Even a picture message of something that reminds you of her, a favorite quote or inspirational scripture will show that you’re thinking about her. Ultimately, it’s not the size, shape or price of the gifts that matters, it’s your generous heart behind the gifts that will encourage your friend.

Timely Affection

Quality time is a great way to show you care. Taking the time to simply be with a pal and hear what she has to say or provide encouragement to her will mean the world to her. Go on an adventure, do something, or just sit and focus on her. It’s the quality of the time, not the quantity of the time that’s key.

Go to a coffee shop to talk, go for a long walk in the park or around your neighborhood, spend an evening catching up while giving each other manicures and pedicures. No matter what location, it’s your presence and a listening ear that’ll let your friend know you cherish her.

Words of Truth

Words are likely the most used and misused form of encouragement. They’re powerful (God spoke the Earth into motion with words). In order for words to lift someone’s spirit, they must be genuine. Speak about the things you like best about your friend and compliment her accordingly.

You can encourage your friend by writing her notes, sending her text messages or talking to her on the phone. Verbally encourage your friend by praying for her and with her. Thank God for what she means in your life and ask Him to strengthen her relationship with Him. Praying for her illustrates how deeply God cares for her.

A Touch of Comfort

Our bodies were created to need physical contact with others. Some people need this physical attention to feel loved. Although this may seem a little odd, showing sisterly affection can nurture a spirit in a way that nothing else can, and these gestures will show your friend how much her friendship means to you.

Hugging your friend when you see her can totally make her day. If your friend needs a lot of physical affection, you might want to hold her hand, play with her hair or offer a back rub. Simply make sure your shoulders, legs or feet are touching when you’re watching a movie or studying.

Joyful Service

Serving others is a very Godly way to express love and encouragement. To serve your friend means to do things for her simply because you have the desire and aren’t looking for anything in return.

Help her with her upcoming school project. If she has chores to do, help her complete them. Offer to cook her dinner. The key is to do everything with a selfless heart because it’s your generosity that will encourage her the most.

The world can be a hurtful place, especially since we were created to need encouragement and love. God has called us to encourage one another. If we won’t, who will? Even when we don’t know what to say or do, it’s ultimately God’s work in our lives that allows us to encourage others. It’s through His strength and guidance that we’re able to be a much-needed light in the world. Every day, we have the opportunity to lift up the people in our lives and remind them of their worth.