Four Creative Ways to Encourage Others: Stirring Hearts to Love

The gold heart sticker sealed the folded paper bag. Inside was a watercolor postcard, painted with care and prayer, bearing a cluster of wildflowers and the words of Psalm16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” Tucking it into my journal, I prayed, “Lord, show me who needs this today.” This small act of faith has become a ritual for me, a collaboration between my love for creating and God’s gentle nudges. I never know where the card will end up—a stranger at the coffee shop, a friend at church, or a local business owner. But the impact is undeniable. Encouragement, in its simplest form, has the power to change someone’s day and draw them closer to God’s love.

This act reminds me of Hebrews 10:24, which calls us to “consider how to stir up oneanother to love and good works.”(ESV) One translation invites us to “find creative ways to encourage others.”

As children of a creative God, we are invited to partner with Him in uplifting and inspiring those around us. Let’s explore four practical ways to do just that.

ONE: Offer Personalized Encouragement

Encouragement resonates deeply when it’s personal and intentional. Taking the time to craft a handwritten note or create a small card transforms a simple gesture into a powerful act of love. In our digital age, even a thoughtful text can speak volumes,reminding someone they are loved and seen.

Consider making encouragement cards. A simple 4×6 notecard can become a canvas for love and prayer. Write a favorite Bible verse or an encouraging message on it, and carry the card with you until God prompts you to give it away. These small, tangible acts remind people they are seen and loved by both you and God. For example, I once left a card for the barista at my favorite coffee shop who seemed stressed. Later, she told me that the message had been exactly what she needed to hear that day. Such moments remind me that God can use even the simplest efforts to make a difference.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24, ESV

TWO: Use Your Unique Gifts

You don’t need to be an artist or poet to encourage others creatively. God has uniquely equipped each of us with talents and interests. Whether it’s baking, woodworking, singing, or simply lending a listening ear, your gifts can reflect God’s love. If you enjoy cooking, consider making an extra meal to share with someone who is grieving or overwhelmed. If you’re a gardener, give a bouquet of flowers or a small plant with a note of encouragement. If photography is your gift, consider offering family photos to someone who can’t afford professional pictures, capturing precious memories for them.

Whatever your gift, invite God into the process and trust Him to guide its use. Sometimes, the simplest offering can be the greatest blessing.

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:6, ESV)

THREE: Partner with the Holy Spirit

True encouragement begins with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the needs around you and to guide your words and actions. As we pray, we invite God into our efforts and deepen our relationship with Him. Through this partnership, we not only help others but also grow in faith, sensitivity to His voice, and trust in His plans.

One day while grocery shopping, I felt prompted to compliment the cashier on her kindness. As tears welled up in her eyes, she told me she had been having a difficult day and my words had encouraged her. These Spirit-led moments remind us how God works through us to bring hope and love to others.
Ask God daily to show you someone who needs encouragement. Whether it’s a neighbor, a coworker, or even a stranger, let the Holy Spirit guide your interactions.

FOUR: Create Opportunities for Community Encouragement

Encouragement grows when shared within a community. Consider organizing an encouragement project in your church, Bible study, or friend group. Create a “Blessing Box” filled with small gifts, verses, or notes for people to take when they need encouragement. You could host a card-making night and send the finished cards to missionaries, nursing homes, or hospitals.

Another idea is to start a group prayer chain where each person commits to praying for and sending a note to another person in the chain. A small ripple of kindness can grow into a wave of blessings.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1Thessalonians 5:11, ESV

The Joy of Encouraging
Encouragement doesn’t just bless the recipient; it fills the giver with joy. When we partner with God in uplifting others, we experience a deeper sense of purpose and connection to Him. There’s something uniquely fulfilling about being used by God to brighten someone’s day.

I’ve often found that when I step out to encourage someone, I leave the interaction feeling just as blessed, if not more. Whether it’s a smile, a note, or a kind word, these small acts remind us of the beauty of living in community and the goodness of God’s design. In Hebrews 10:24, we are reminded that encouragement is not just a nice gesture but a call to action.

As children of a creative God, we have limitless opportunities to stir one another toward love and good works. Together, let’s step into each day with hearts ready to encourage and bless, knowing that even the smallest acts can have eternal impact.

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of encouragement. Open my eyes to the needs around me and inspire me with creative ways to show Your love. Help me to partner with Your Spirit, bringing light and hope to others through small, meaningful acts of kindness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

10 Bible Verses of Encouragement

• Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will
  strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
• Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
• Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not
  fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”
• Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”