Provide genuine affirmation
Genuine encouragement is an affirmation of truth and hope. We might say something like,

“It’s ok to feel sad. Tears show the depth of your love.”
“You will survive this one minute, one hour, one day at a time.”
“You will get through this.”

Genuine encouragement is responsive and truthful provided at just the “right moment.” For example, a Friend might say while crying,

“I’ll never be happy again, never find love again.”

We might respond, “The pain is deep. Your tears are those of love. (while reaching out to touch her hand) I’m here with you.”

We should tune our genuine encouragement to the person and circumstance. Genuine encouragement is not a cookie-cutter comment that provides false reassurance.