24 Uplifting Ways to Encourage a Friend (and Remind Her She’s Not Alone)
Sometimes we just need someone to show up in our lives and remind us that we’re loved.
I’ll never forget a Saturday morning a couple of years ago when I was feeling especially down. I had just finished grocery pickup at Walmart and decided to swing by Dunkin’ Donuts. Sitting there in the drive-thru line, lost in my thoughts, I didn’t even notice a friend from church was in the car ahead of me.
When I pulled up to the window, the cashier said, “Your order has already been paid for.” It was less than $4—but it might as well have been $400, because the gesture meant the world to me. That small act of kindness completely turned my day around.
We never know what quiet battles a friend may be fighting. That’s why encouragement matters so much. And for us as believers, it’s not just a nice idea—it’s what God calls us to do.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2
Encouraging others honors the Lord. It’s one of the ways we shine His light in a dark and hurting world.
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
—Philippians 2:15
Friend, God can use your words, your presence, and your prayers to make an eternal difference in someone else’s life.
How to Support and Encourage a Friend
Big or small, every gesture matters. Sometimes just being there is the greatest gift of all. Other times, it’s a simple word, prayer, or thoughtful surprise that lifts someone’s spirit.
You may not know the private battle they’re facing or what kind of dark place they are in. That’s why when you feel led to encourage someone, you should do it.
Be kind, for everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Ian Maclaren
Here are 24 practical and uplifting ways to encourage a friend—little sparks of love God can use in big ways.
24 Uplifting Ways to Encourage a Friend
There are so many ways to reach out to a friend. Whether they’re facing a difficult time, or just having a bad day, a kind word or deed from a friend can make all the difference.
1. Listen without interrupting.
When someone we love is facing a hard time, we sometimes want to reach out and solve their problem. We want to jump it with, “If I were you, I would…” But that is never the answer. Someone who is feeling down probably doesn’t want advice. Sometimes they just need someone to listen to their problem.
2. Share a Bible verse that has encouraged you.
The Bible tells us that God is near those who have broken hearts and He offers peace in difficult times. Sometimes sharing an encouraging Bible verse is just what a friend needs to hear. God’s Word is powerful and can offer hope when life seems hopeless.
Related: 10 Encouraging Bible Verses About Hope in Hard Times
3. Send a text message.
It seems so simple, but modern technology has given us an easy way to connect with others. When you can’t see someone face-to-face, sending a quick text is a great way to offer encouragement.
Sometimes a simple “thinking of you today” means more than you can imagine.
4. Celebrate her successes and milestones.
Everyone needs to feel like they are seen and valued. A dear friend will take the time to recognize and celebrate the successes of a friend, no matter how small they might be. I’m not talking about heaping flattery. But being willing to say, “You did a great job!”
5. Offer a genuine compliment.
The Bible tells us we should give “honor to whom honor is due.” When someone does something good, tell them! You may have a friend who is an amazing person, but she doesn’t realize it because no one ever tells her. You can be the one to remind her that she is marvelous in God’s eyes.
6. Give a homemade gift.
Have you ever bought a loaf of bread and given it to a friend as a gift? Probably not, because that’s a strange gift.
But if you’ve ever baked a loaf of banana bread or cinnamon bread, you know it’s a wonderful gift that anyone would love to receive. The amount of money spent on a gift is not the most important thing in life. A gift that comes from the heart can be better than something expensive when it’s given with love.
7. Send a handwritten note.
Technology is a wonderful thing, and sometimes sending motivational messages can help us connect. But nothing quite matches the feeling of opening your mailbox and taking out a card or handwritten note. Surprise a friend by writing a message of encouragement. Even if you don’t mail it, and hand-deliver it instead, it’s a great way to offer encouragement.
8. Offer help on a project or task.
When we feel overwhelmed with life, we sometimes need someone to come alongside us and help in practical ways. Your friend may not share her deepest struggles.
But there are ways you can help. Watch her kids, help her pack, or fold a load of laundry. A burden shared is a burden halved.
9. Plan a fun outing.
Sometimes, the most important thing we can offer a friend is quality time. Busy moms often don’t take the time to spend time with friends. Invite a friend to do something fun, with or without her kids.
Laughter, when shared with someone we love, truly is the best medicine.
10. Cook a meal for her family.
Nothing says love like a hot dinner on a hard day! It doesn’t need to be something fancy or complicated. Even an easy dinner can be just what she needs.
You might even include disposable plates and silverware for easy cleanup when dinner is done.
11. Show up for her.
Nothing says “I care about you” more than just showing up for someone. Maybe you can visit a sick friend in the hospital, even attend the funeral of a loved one. Those things aren’t exactly pleasant, but they do show your love and support for someone who’s hurting.
Or, you may have a friend who sings, plays an instrument, or runs marathons. Show up for her and cheer her on at every opportunity.
12. Give a small gift to show you care.
Encouraging a friend doesn’t have anything to do with how much money you spend. A small gift that’s given from the heart means a lot more than you may realize. Even something as simple as a gift card for her favorite coffee shop can make someone’s day!
13. Send a care package.
A thoughtfully curated box of encouragement (like these beautiful care packages I love) can lift her spirits when you can’t be there in person. Kindness and caring know no distance, and you can share love and joy across the miles.
14. Share a funny meme or video.
Never underestimate the power of laughter for encouraging someone who is feeling down! The old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine” is true in so many ways. Even the Bible says “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22)
15. Give her a hug.
Science tells us that hugging is a powerful way to reduce stress. And we all crave human connection and personal touch. If a friend is facing a hard time, or just having a bad day, getting a hug from someone can make her feel better almost instantly.
16. Remind her of her worth.
Often we become discouraged because Satan wars against our minds with lies until we forget that we are daughters of a King! Sometimes the best way to encourage a good friend is to remind her how much God loves her, that she is special to Him, and special to you, too.
17. Encourage her to rest.
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything we have going on. Whether it’s work, school, or personal commitments, we often find ourselves pushing through exhaustion in an effort to stay on top of everything.
If you see a friend who is struggling, encourage her to set aside some time for herself–even if that means you provide some free childcare while she does it!
Related: 34 Ways to Practice Self-Care for Stay-at-Home Moms (in 10 minutes or less!)
18. Learn something new together.
When a friend is going through a tough time, it can be difficult to know the best way to support them. One way to encourage them is by learning something new together. Whether it’s taking a cooking class, learning a new language, or trying a new hobby, learning together can create a bond that will help both of you through a challenging time.
19. Make a quick phone call.
Hearing a familiar voice can soothe the heart. Next time you know a friend is struggling (or even if you don’t know, and just want to let her know you’re thinking of her) pick up the phone and give her a quick call.
20. Remind her that this dark season won’t last forever.
Having a bad day or even a bad period doesn’t mean you have a bad life. Life is full of seasons and they come and go.
Good times will come around again, and sometimes we just need to remind a friend that amazing things will happen again. Brighter days are ahead!
21. Recommend (or gift) a book that has inspired you.
Words are powerful, and reading positive things has a way of lifting our spirits. If you know a friend is facing a difficult situation, recommend a book that helped you when you were struggling.
Even better, buy the book and have it shipped directly to her as a surprise gift!
Related: Best Inspirational Books for Moms
22. Practice patience and grace.
Good friends just want to jump into the middle of every difficulty and fix it. But that’s not always the answer. Someone who is feeling discouraged doesn’t always need someone to jump in and offer advice.
And they definitely don’t need a friend who gets impatient and critical. Show your support for a friend by simply being someone she can turn to when she needs it.
23. Tell her how much you value her friendship.
Many of us act confident and brave, but underneath the bluster, we’re really wondering, “Do they really like me?” If you have a wonderful friend in your life, take an opportunity to tell her how much you appreciate her.
Having Christian friends you can trust and depend on is an invaluable part of life, and we should always be grateful for true friendship!
24. Pray for her continually.
Nothing can make more of a difference in someone’s life than having a friend who prays for them. You may never know how your prayers gave strength or encouragement, but God knows. At the end of the day, He is always faithful. He will use your prayers to help someone facing bad times, even if they don’t know you’re praying.
Don’t give up! Sometimes friendships end and friends walk away from us. It’s hard when someone we love chooses not to be a part of our lives. But a person can never stop you from praying for them, so you should never quit. God has the power to restore friendships when we continually take them to Him in prayer.
Related: How to Pray More with a Simple Written Prayer List (+printable template)
19 Encouraging Quotes and Verses for Friends
Whether you’re reaching out in a text, sending a card or making a post on social media, sometimes you need just the right quote or Bible verse to encourage a friend. Here are 19 quotes and Bible verses that are inspiring and remind you that good things will happen again!
- I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, Philippians 1:3-4
- “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
- A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
- “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson
- “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
- “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
- “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou
- Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
- Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
- Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
- “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
- “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
- These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Send a Little Love in the Mail
Sometimes the best way to encourage a friend is to surprise her with something special. If you can’t be there in person, a care package is a beautiful way to remind her she’s loved.
I love these ready-to-send care packages because they’re thoughtfully curated and make it so simple to brighten someone’s day. Whether your friend is walking through a tough season or you just want to say “I’m thankful for you,” a package in the mail can feel like a warm hug from afar.
Put It Into Practice
Friendship is one of God’s sweetest gifts. But encouragement only works if we take action. Don’t wait until tomorrow—reach out to someone today.
Here are 3 simple things you can do right now:
- Send your friend a quick text: “You are loved. I’m grateful for you.”
- Share one of these Bible verses on social media to encourage others.
- Stop and pray for someone God puts on your heart.
Even the smallest act of kindness can be the spark God uses to remind someone they’re not alone.
Thank you for this! I know how much of a blessing it is for me when someone encourages me, and I want to the the same. This was a timely reminder😊.
You’re welcome! It always a blessing to me, too, and I hope to pass it on to others.