The word “Encourage” has the word “courage” in it. Encouragement is defined as giving support, confidence, or hope to others. True courage only comes from God, so when Christians encourage each other we are reminding each other to “take courage” and have “hope” that God is with us and that He will bring us through any situation that we face.
“We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” (Romans 15:2, NLT)
Neuroscience has shown that giving encouragement releases oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. These hormones boost our moods and block cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone.
In an article entitled: “3 Specific Ways that Helping Others Benefits Your Brain” you can read about how encouraging others benefits your brain. Three of these ways are:
- Reduced stress-related activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, right anterior insula, and right amygdala.
- Greater reward-related activity in left and right ventral striatum.
- Greater caregiving-related activity in septal area.
How can you encourage someone today?
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Lee
Encouragement is also a GIFT from God. “But each one has different GIFTS according to the grace that is given to us—-whether PROPHESY, let us prophesy according to the measure of faith; or SERVICE; let us tend to service; or the one who is TEACHING, let him tend to teaching; or the one who is ENCOURAGING, let him tend to encouragement; the one who is GIVING, let it be with generosity; the one who is TAKING THE LEAD, let it be with diligence; the one who is SHOWING MERCY, let it be with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6-8) Some have been given multiple gifts. “Pursue LOVE, and earnestly desire the SPIRITUAL GIFTS…” (1 Corinthians 14:1) “ In conclusion, brethren, rejoice! Be perfected; be ENCOURAGED; be of the same mind; be at peace; and the love of God shall be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11) “IRON SHARPENS IRON”!, (“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of a friend” (Proverbs 27:17) [emphasis mine throughout] THANKS for sharing this INSPIRING and ENCOURAGING post!! 😊👍
Cynthia Greene
May God inspire each of us to know what our gifts are and to use them to serve and love others. Thank you for taking the time to comment and share these inspiring scriptures.