I know what the absence of encouragement feels like, the spiritual drag it produces. I also recognize the ease of trafficking in discouragement.

Pessimism, like an erupting geyser, breaks through from the brokenness of my humanity. Juxtapose that against the scriptural directive of Hebrews 3:13: “ ... encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ ... .”

In a 2013 Harvard Business Review article, leadership development consultants Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman reported on a study showing team members perform best when they receive more than five positive comments for every critical one.

Everyone appreciates encouragement. However, we often gravitate toward negativity in our communication with others — even when we understand the immediate practical benefits of offering words of encouragement.

The dictionary definition of encourage is “to inspire with courage, hope or confidence.” Considering the lives of contemporary encouragers and some biblical examples of great encouragers, I’ve concluded that anyone can infuse courage by intentionally practicing a few simple behaviors.

Look for opportunities to encourage leaders. In 2 Kings 5, the military leader Naaman embodied public success and productivity. However, he still needed encouragement from those he led. Unidentified servants kept him from missing his miracle. They encouraged him to obey the word of the prophet, despite Naaman having seemingly good reasons to ignore it.

We often gravitate toward negativity — even when we understand the benefits of offering words of encouragement.

A friend of mine, respected and sought out for wisdom and ministry, suffered crippling burnout. Although this minister exhibited genuine interest in others, rarely did anyone ask him, “How are you, really?” His recovery process started when random encouragers deliberately shared encouraging words and deeds.

Cultivate a sense of timing. The unnamed servants waited until Naaman had completed his rant but then immediately inserted a humble recommendation. To speak before gaining context is an easy path to discouraging someone. To hear without judgment, then offer a caring alternative, effectively promotes courage to follow a more productive path.

Practice inclusion. In Acts 9, Saul’s violent reputation preceded him at Damascus and clung to him in Jerusalem. Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36), understood the downside of standing with a perceived terrorist. Yet Barnabas took a risk and encouraged this recent convert, who ultimately became the apostle Paul. The encouragement Paul received benefited not only him but countless people through the ages who have read his epistles.

When we deliberately encourage someone via inclusion, we do not know the possible Kingdom results. Inclusion provides grand opportunities for Kingdom expansion.

Call out uncultivated gifts in others. Barnabas invested time to help Saul — and later John Mark — to see and expand his own potential.

My wife and I often meet with leaders specifically to affirm and call out dormant gifts. These meetings have produced gratifying results as men and women tackle projects they previously didn’t have the courage to attempt. Others encouraged us in that fashion, and we want to pass it along.

Please take a moment and send an encouraging text to an effective leader, just to tell that person he or she inspires you. Think of other ways to encourage those around you. Consider contacting a pastor who is new to your region, offering an enthusiastic welcome. Reach out to a budding leader in whom you see hidden capacities, declaring your faith in that person’s future.

Lead the way as a deliberate encourager.

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2018 edition of Influence magazine.