The Gift of Encouragement
Does your face light up when someone gives you a compliment? Does your spirit soar when someone acknowledges your hard work? Are you more likely to give your best effort when you know someone is cheering you on and sincerely wanting you to succeed? Of course!
We read in Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Most often we hear this verse applied to striving for excellence. A little friendly competition pushes us to go the extra mile, to give a little more effort, to not become satisfied with mediocrity. That is all very true. We all need a nudge to keep us from complacency. Iron sharpening iron.
The second half of the verse speaks of what that encouraging nudge will do for one’s countenance. What exactly is your countenance? Countenance refers to your face as an indicator of mood, emotion, or character. A person may be described as “of fair countenance” or perhaps having a somber or angry countenance. A runner may show a determined or steadfast countenance. A person’s face is an indicator of what is going on inside.
Perhaps you are one whose thoughts are “written all over your face.” Others can tell instantly whether you are pleased or stressed, surprised or overwhelmed. Perhaps you have noticed others whose facial expression betrays their insistence that they are “OK.” This phenomenon is as old as mankind. Let’s look at some Biblical examples.
In Genesis 4:4-7 we read the story of Cain and Abel. When Cain’s self-righteous offering was not accepted by God “Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” Just moments before, Cain was extremely proud of his fruits and vegetables. Now he is filled with wrath, anger, and hatred for his brother. God took notice. He spoke to Cain in verse 6, “Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?” Of course, God knew Cain’s heart. But he did not immediately lecture or chastise Cain; he spoke gently saying, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” He gave that nudge to get Cain to think about his own motives and worship. In this case, Cain refused the counsel, went his own way, and murdered his brother.
Hannah was vexed and sorrowful because she had no child. She poured out her soul and request to the Lord. Eli, the priest accused her of being drunk! But when she explained her situation, Eli answered, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.” (I Samuel 1:17). In verse 18 we learn “So the woman [Hannah] went her way, an did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” What made the difference? Assurance that God had heard her plea. In spite of Eli’s initial faulty perception, he was able to offer encouragement and peace. What a difference that made in Hannah’s heart and face!
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. It was his job to assure that no harm would come to the king. That included putting on a happy face to avoid causing the king any alarm or suspicion. Nehemiah learned that the Jews who remained in Jerusalem were in great distress: “…in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:3). He took some time off from work to weep and mourn, fast and pray. Now in chapter 2 verse 1, Nehemiah returns to his job in the palace, but he is concerned because he “had not been beforetime sad in his presence.” Uh oh! Maybe the king won’t notice. Wrong! In the very next verse we read, “Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick?...then I was very sore afraid.” (2:3)
What do you do when confronted? Too often we try to mask our feelings by saying things like, “I’m OK,” “There’s nothing wrong,” “I’m just tired,” “I’d rather not talk about it.” Nehemiah did none of those things. He told the truth! He briefly shared with the king the plight of his countrymen back in Judah. I love what happened next. In verses 4 and 5 Nehemiah “prayed to the God of heaven…and said unto the king…”
King Artaxerxes did exceedingly abundantly above all that Nehemiah ever thought possible. He presented the problem, proposed a plan, and prepared to prosper all in a moment of time. The words of the King provided the encouragement Nehemiah needed. His face lit up. He sprang into action. There was no more time for moping and weeping. God was working His plan.
We are commanded in Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Be that person who offers a kind word, or solution, or agrees to be a burden-bearer. Determine to notice those around you. Is someone uncharacteristically sad? Does someone seem to be afraid? bearing a heavy load? Be a Barnabas, known as “the son of consolation” (Acts 4:36). Actions speak louder than words. Sometimes it takes only a cup of cold water to lift a spirit. (Matthew 25:34-46)
If you are that downcast person, how should you respond to offers of help or consolation? Don’t be like Cain who refused help when it was offered. Believe God like Hannah. Take immediate action like Nehemiah. These three examples show us that others do take notice of our countenance. Others are affected by our facial expression and demeanor. If you have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus and know you are on your way to heaven, be sure to show it on your face!
