Ephesians 4:29
“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Our speech is to be tailored to the moment based on the need of the other. Are they sad, discouraged, angry, confused and so on. Depending on their state, we are to comment.
We aren't the focus here. This may be foreign to some, as they can't imagine not being the focus. They haven't put themselves in the shoes of others. That's ok, we all have to start somewhere.
We could always ask them about themselves. Venting may be the very thing they need. If not venting, then giving them an audience to speak. They may not have that. For some, they have never had it.
Some individuals are quite attuned and say the right things. They are gifted so. It's a blessing to others when they exercise this. Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."
We all gain through experience what to say in a particular situation. So, we venture out and say what we think is needed. It often works. Trying sends a good message to the hearer. Meaning well is a blessing.
Some times God gifts us with what to say. Matthew 10:19 says, "But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say." This is in the context of persecution. My point is that God can give us the words in any moment. While this isn't persecution. God cares for them and can speak through us. We may be aware, we may not. We may think it was our idea, when it was actually God. He wants to encourage them and He often uses people.
We should be ready to bless and encourage whenever the need arrises (2 Timothy 4:2). The Lord will equip us. He uses life circumstances to do so. Us going through hardship helps us to be sensitive to others that do so. Jesus did this. I don't believe He knew what each day would bring. He walked, trusted the Father and responded accordingly. So should we.
We can be an encouragement, because we've been encouraged. God drew us and we became His children. We were beat up, scraggly, scared and suspicious. He drew us, fed us, encouraged us and would give us small tasks. Repeat, repeat and so on. In time we are confident and trusting in Him. We are whole people who have good things to offer.
Lord, thank You for healing us. Thank You that You use us to encourage others. How amazing.