This week I have been reminded of the power words can have when used in the right way. Too often, words hurt, tear down, and discourage, and too often, I’ve been the one guilty of using them in that wrong and evil way. More often, I should be using words to build up and encourage others by providing them with motivation, love, and self-worth. Words make all the difference in the world for how your day will go. Every day, we should try to leave our kids with words that lift them up as they step out of the car to face their day at school. Every day, we should try to express patience and understanding with those around us. Every day we should carefully choose our words to express positivity and hope when we communicate with others.

Encouraging words in life everyday life can not only change your attitude but can influence a multitude of people in our communities. When there is a low supply of encouraging words, sin too easily can creep into our lives and the lives of others. Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

Throughout the Scriptures, there are instructions to encourage one another and verses meant to encourage us. Why is encouragement emphasized in the Bible? Primarily because encouragement is necessary to our walk of faith. Here are a few reminders of the value of daily encouragement and what it can do for you and others:

  1. Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way.
  2. Encouragement makes it easier to love as Jesus loved
  3. Encouragement gives hope
  4. Encouragement helps us through times of discipline and testing
  5. Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness
  6. Encouragement makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
  7. Encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life.

This week I have been the benefactor of many words of encouragement, from sweet sisters who are teaching their children the value of listening and learning the sermon to loving friends who have let me hear them pray for me. I have heard words of encouragement from my wife, from my kids, from my shepherds, and countless others who have warmed my heart with words that make me what to keep going, keep working, keep preaching, and teaching the wonderful words of life.

Let me now encourage you… stop for a minute and communicate some words of encouragement to someone you know could use it.

I love you,

Alex

P.S. Thank you all for the encouragement.