Encouragement: (n.) the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

I want to be an encourager. I want to love others unconditionally and let them know that they are truly cared about. I want to brighten someone's day with a compliment. I want to make someone smile. I want to tell someone that they are loved.

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

"We love because he first loved us."

There are many days when I feel defeated, weighed down, discouraged, alone, hopeless, worthless, stressed, etc. And that is always when God uses someone in my life to speak words of encouragement to me. They support me. They show me love because they care for me but, more importantly, because they understand the love that God has for them.

John 3:16 (NIV)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God knows when my faith is getting weak and when I begin to lose heart. He is constantly reminding me how much He loves me through the encouraging words of others and through HIS Word. We can have confidence in that.

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

When you feel discouraged, remember that God love and cares for you! The enemy is simply trying to make you believe the opposite. We all need encouragement. We all need hope.

So, go encourage someone today!