On the online thesaurus, there are over 50 synonyms for “encourage”. Words such as support, inspire, enliven, revitalize, and strengthen are just a few on the lengthy list. It seems a simple thing to, yet why is it often easier for us to discourage someone rather than encourage them?

An encourager seeks to build others up, while a discourager seeks to tear them down. When my girls were little, I gave the example of a building block creation. An encourager adds to those blocks and helps it to stand tall. A discourager pulls a block from the center or knocks the entire thing down.

Our actions can be encouraging or discouraging, but what about our words? Words are just one way we can encourage or discourage, and make no mistake, our words make an impact. But just how much of an impact?

There’s a quote that states, “Words are powerful. Use them wisely.” Indeed. And words can, at times, slip from our mouths without a second thought, and we can’t take them back. The third chapter of James has much to say about the tongue. It may be small, but it can cause an abundance of trouble.

Those utterances can either build someone up or tear them down.

Below are eight ways we can be encouragers:

Encourage each other in everyday life. Life isn’t easy, especially in our current culture. What we can do is come alongside others, be there for them, and allow them to depend on us.

Celebrate the victories of others with them.

Rally around each other during times of disappointment.

Listen. Really listen.

See the possibilities. Besides being a wife, mom, and author, I’m also a fitness instructor. In addition to other classes, I teach a small-group fitness class for beginners. Much of what I do for this class is one-on-one. Many, if not most of my participants, are struggling with health and/or weight issues, are exercising for the first time, or are returning after a long stint away from the gym. The best thing I can do for them is to be an encourager. Their cheerleader. The one who reminds them that they can achieve their goals and that I am there to help them do so. The alternative would crush them.

Be authentic and sincere.

Be honest and constructive when giving advice. And on that note, give advice only when asked for. Not many people like unsolicited advice.

Find the best in others.

I love what the Bible says in Ephesians 4:29.

May we prayerfully consider how our words affect others, and with God’s help, be encouragers rather than discouragers.