Letters of encouragement
Writing a letter of encouragement
Everyone goes through seasons when they need someone to say, out loud, that they are going to be all right. A new job that is not working out, a long wait for news, a week that has simply been too much. A letter they can hold, and keep, says it in a way a text cannot.
Here are verses that strengthen, a sample letter, and some thoughts on making encouragement land rather than lecture.
Postage included. Sealed in red wax.
Verses for an encouragement letter
All from the King James Bible, and all from the verses we print. When you write, we suggest verses that fit the occasion and the feeling you choose, and you pick the one that sounds right.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
For someone facing something new or frightening.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
For someone who is simply tired and running on empty.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
For anxiety, or a decision they are afraid to make.
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
For a long hard stretch. Each morning is a fresh start.
A sample letter
Every line here is one our letters really use. It is only a starting point: you can change every line except the verse.
THE DOVE LETTER
Faith · Encouragement · A Brighter Tomorrow
Dear friend,
I have been thinking about you lately, and I wanted you to know it.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Keep going. You are not doing it alone.
Warmly,
Emily
What to write
- Name something you see in them: their patience, their stubborn kindness, the way they keep showing up.
- Mention the hard thing only if they have shared it with you. Otherwise, “I know this season has been heavy” is enough.
- Keep it short. Three or four honest sentences do more than a page of reassurance.
- End with something they can hold on to: a verse, a memory, or simply “I am in your corner.”
What to avoid
- Advice they did not ask for. Encouragement is not a plan for fixing their life.
- “At least…” sentences. They tend to shrink the struggle rather than the person’s worry.
- Sounding like a sermon. One verse, chosen with them in mind, says more than five.
How it works for an encouragement letter
Choose “They need encouragement” and then how you want them to feel, whether that is stronger, hopeful or at peace. We suggest verses for that feeling and you pick one.
You can choose a gentle, direct or warm tone, and change any line you like before it is printed.
Posted the same or next business day. USPS typically delivers in 2 to 5 days, though this is not guaranteed.
Write your letter
Answer three questions and your letter appears as you go. Change any line, then we seal it and post it.
- Your letter
- A pastor's note
- A small step for today
- A surprise gift
Letters for other occasions
- Sympathy lettersWhat to say when someone is grieving, and verses that comfort.
- Get well lettersWhat to write to someone who is sick, and verses for healing and rest.
- Birthday lettersVerses that celebrate a life, and ideas for making it personal.
- Thank-you lettersHow to say thank you so it is felt, with verses on gratitude.