Devotion: The Power of Encouragement

“Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” ~Dave Willis

I’m an encourager. It’s just what I do. I don’t have to conjure up uplifting words to share–they come naturally. Because encouragement comes easily to me, I’ve never thought it was a big deal. I’ve taken spiritual gifts assessments multiple times, and each time I read the results, I always skipped over the gift of encouragement to see if there were any other “big” ones listed. I unwittingly decided my top gift wasn’t that significant. Over time, I’ve learned how wrong I was.

Webster defines encouragement this way:

en·cour·age·ment, noun: The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

When Paul lists spiritual gifts in the book of Romans, the original Greek for encouragement was parakaleo, which means to call to one’s side (Rom. 12:7-8).

In Hebrews we’re told to “encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Heb. 3:13 NIV).

Our mission is clear: [Tweet “We’re asked daily to draw near to others and offer them support, confidence, or hope.”] Even if encouragement is not a natural bend for you, you can do it.  But if we want our words to be heard, we will have to intentionally seek out people and speak directly to them.

It seems the masses are more comfortable sharing what they are against than what they are for. We are bombarded with people’s disdain for everything from political candidates to items on a menu. It can feel as though we’re seated right next to the kitchen, and all we hear is the ever increasing noise from clanging pots and pans. But when someone leans in and whispers an uplifting word meant just for us, we feel nourished.

Words are powerful. Scripture tells us they bring either life or death (Prov. 18:21), and suddenly the gift of encouragement doesn’t seems so small anymore. Words people have spoken to me have changed entire seasons of my life for the better. I am still inspired by things people spoke over me several years ago. I’d say that’s a pretty good dividend for such a simple investment.

Father, thank you for being our greatest source of encouragement. Help us intentionally speak life-giving words over people you place in our path. Thank you for entrusting us with this sacred task and for equipping us to do it well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph. 4:29, NIV)

Reach for more

Friends, we use words all the time, but what if we seek to offer encouragement, confidence, and hope when we speak? If that sounds intimidating, remember the Holy Spirit will be your guide. I silently pray while I stand in line at the checkout or in my car in the drive-thru. I simply ask for words that will make a positive difference in someone’s day. I have yet to come up short. Sometimes I’ll notice a woman caring gently for her child, and I’ll tell her what a good job she’s doing. I can see that my words bring hope by the softening of her face or the tears that spring to her eyes. Other times, it’s far simpler. I’ll notice the cashier’s beautiful smile and comment on it. It’s amazing to see the reaction of people who may often feel overlooked when they are seen and celebrated.

I invite you to do the same. When you’re on your way to meet someone you know, call to mind something you appreciate about them, and tell them about it when you see them. If you’re in line for coffee, pray for God to help you notice something about the cashier that you can mention to raise their spirits. Cheering on those we meet is such a good gig, and we’ve been given all we need to flourish in the job. Watch and be amazed at the power of an encouraging word.

Please, come back and leave a comment telling us about how God spoke to you this week, or share your progress on social media using the hashtag #tgtreachformore. We would love to hear from you.

Melinda Mattson will follow any sign that leads to the promise of vintage décor and repurposed treasures. As a wife and mom to two dear daughters, her home is filled with equal measures of sugar and spice. She loves kindness and Jesus and is glad they’re meant to come as a package deal. She aims to embrace both with equal fervor. Melinda blogs at www.melindamattson.com.