Be an Encourager

Ephesians 4:29b NLT
“…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

The value of encouragement is that it reveals the value of the person. Notice that ‘courage’ is embedded in that word. Encouragement literally means “to give courage to another.” It is a gift that gives them courage to believe they have value.

Encouragement Definition: To give courage to some by telling them that they are well able to complete a task. To urge someone to keep going, they can make a difference and they do make a difference. To stimulate some one by encouraging their heart, mind, and spirit, that they are of value to the world.

Without encouragement, life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains of our lives. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. 

Our words have the power to either destroy or to build, to pull down or to lift up, to cause fear and guilt or to bring peace and joy, to generate doubt or generate trust. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.  And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Prayer:
Father, make me an encourager, a lifter of hearts, minds, and spirits. One who spurs Your people on to keep going, pursuing You and Your love and grace. One who builds up and does not tear down. One who prompts, stirs up and fans the flames of those following You!