7 inexpensive ways to cheer up your friend

We all go through seasons when we feel discouraged. We go through difficult situations or something unexpected happens. We know hard times are a part of life, and we know Jesus is victorious in the end (John 16:33), but sometimes we still feel stuck here and now. When we have a friend who needs encouragement, we are called to support that friend in a godly way. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to "encourage one another and edify one another", and Hebrews 3:13 says, "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'today'". We must not let people take advantage of us—Jesus modeled good boundaries—but when a friend needs wholesome encouragement, we can be the ones to offer it.

Don't let the fear of saying the wrong thing keep you from reaching out. Your friends need to know that you care about them and that you are available. The willingness to get involved while a friend is going through a tough season is what matters. You don't have to understand everything or know what to do, but you have to try. Avoidance for fear of doing the wrong thing unnecessarily destroys relationships. Be willing to be the first to start, admit you don't know what's best for you, and keep showing love. Pay attention to what your friend says, needs and responds well. When you reach out with love, you really can't go wrong. "Love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

Here are some inexpensive or free ways to encourage a friend:

In a world of technology, we have begun to forget the power of the handwritten map. The joy and encouragement you can so easily bring to someone by sending them a handwritten letter is a hundredfold the effort required to complete the task. When an encouraging note from a friend mixes with bills and junk mail, the impact is felt in the soul. “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and wholesome to the body” (Proverbs 16:24, NLT).

In addition to handwritten notes, a quick text to let a friend know you're thinking of her is always welcome. You don't have to solve all of his problems or be able to ease his pain. It is enough to be a friend, and "a friend always loves" (Proverbs 17:17). A text as simple as "I'm thinking of you and praying for you today" or "I hope today is good!" can put a smile on his face. If you have a funny story to share or an encouraging Bible verse, text your friends and it will let them know they are loved.

Exercise has been proven to impact mood. Our bodies and minds benefit from exercise and fresh air. If possible, take a walk outside. If outdoors isn't an option, find a place indoors. You can try a gym or even an indoor mall. If walking doesn't work, you can find a low-impact exercise inside the house - yoga or simple arm strokes. To show creativity. Most of us can find a way to move our bodies. When we exercise, we not only take care of our physical component, but also our emotional component. Our mood improves and we can often think about things with a new perspective. If you have a friend who needs a little pick-me-up, offer to take her for a walk and watch the benefits pour in. You don't even have to discuss the current problem for a nice long walk to help her. with this problem. Just being with a friend can be an encouragement in itself. Not every meeting has to be a problem-solving meeting. A nice conversation about anything can relieve stress about something else. "Anxiety weighs on the heart, but a kind word gladdens it" (Proverbs 12:25).

If you're crafty, a homemade gift can be a great way to encourage a friend. Taking the time to create something from your own heart and talent shows how much you care about a person. Maybe you paint or draw or write poetry. Maybe you make your own jewelry or do cross stitch or create handmade cards. No matter how talented you are, your friends will feel loved and supported when you do something for them.

For my part, I do not have many creative talents. But I have a deep passion for feeding people. When a friend is grieving, discouraged, confused, or going through a difficult time, you can be assured that I will bring a meal. It may not be fancy, but it will be intentional. Chances are I doubled the meal I was cooking for my own family, and that's a guarantee that I...