Cheer Each Other On

Cheer Each Other On

Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Public speaking terrified me at first. I was a very shy child and young adult, and although I felt God nudging me to share with others, I still felt very anxious about speaking in front of a crowd. I let a few friends know about my nervousness and asked them to pray for me and my speaking engagements.

As I was preparing for one of my first events, one of my friends whom I’d asked to pray messaged me that she planned to come, just to cheer me on. She told me she was excited to hear what God had given me to speak, and she couldn’t wait to join me. Her message was just the encouragement I needed as I continued to prepare for the event. Her excitement and confidence that God was going to use me gave me courage.

As I walked into the event a few days later, I quickly found my friend, who sat in the front, smiling at me the whole time I spoke. She was my cheerleader that morning, supporting me and reminding me that I could do the hard things God was asking of me. Her presence reassured me that I was brave and that I had someone who was for me.

We live in a culture that often tells us to go it alone, be independent, and get ahead for ourselves, but the Bible tells us that we are to encourage one another and build each other up. This is a complete shift in our thinking—but putting others first, listening as they share, and offering encouragement for what they are doing are some of the greatest ways that we can offer God-like friendship to those around us. It is uncommon, and people notice. My friend was Jesus in the flesh for me that morning, and her support was a reminder to me to do the same for others any chance I get.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Send a friend who is trying something new some encouragement to let them know you’re thinking of them and are on their side.