Yesterday was Easter Sunday. That day is so very theologically significant. If ever there was a message of encouragement, it is the story of the risen Savior. He rose from the grave victorious and in that victory made a way for our overcoming sin as well. That message is heavy with spiritual importance.

But I got to thinking about a very practical aspect of the Easter message. Beyond the extremely important truth that all believers should be sharing the gospel (the good news of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection), all believers also ought to be sharing other kinds of encouraging news too.

We live in a sad and difficult world that struggles with little hope. Men, women and teenagers are experiencing life in a way that reflects the saddest verse in the Bible (Psalm 142:4) where the writer laments, “No one cares for my soul.”

Such a mindset screams out for encouragement and that’s our job!

This week, we need to come alongside our co-workers, neighbors, friends and family with a word of encouragement. Proverbs 12:25 tells us that “an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”

That kind word can be texted, emailed, phoned in or delivered in person. Perhaps the most powerful delivery might be in written form. They get to read it once, right in the middle of the struggle, but then they get to reread it-over and over. And each time they “hear” those words, encouragement can flood their mind.

So who needs to hear from you this week?

Grab a pen. Find a card or piece of paper and write a few words. Tell them that you are thinking about them and the situation. Let them know that you are praying for everyone involved. Share a scripture with them.

But don’t stop with just the “spiritual” input. Add a silly joke. Draw a cartoon. Remind them of a treasured, shared experience. Enclose a picture. Make it real. Make it sound like you are just sharing over a cup of coffee or iced tea. Connect your heart with theirs.

The Easter message needs to continue to reverberate through the season. Be an encourager!