If you tell me you like my tie, it gives me a boost. I already care so much about that piece of cloth around my neck, but your compliment tells me that I made a good choice. It’s a positive reinforcement, it’s encouraging to me and everybody needs encouragement.

    Over and over in the Bible we read the admonition to encourage one another and we learn the names of some of the people who did encourage each other like Judas and Silas and, of course, Joseph the Levite who became known as Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”).

    Think what a great gift you can give to those whose lives you touch day in and day out. It doesn’t even cost you anything. But the pleasure you receive from encouraging others will bless you all of your life. Say an encouraging word to someone today and make life work a little better.