Have you ever known someone who believed in you, someone who frequently spoke words of encouragement and praise? The kind of person who made you feel you could do it, whatever “it” was? That’s the kind of person I believe God wants us to be.
At a recent conference in Denmark the main speaker pointed out that in a world that majors on criticism, speaking encouraging words to one another can actually help instill courage and confidence in our members, and give them the strength to continue sometimes in the face of trying circumstances. So if you want to make a real and lasting difference among the members and lay leaders of your church or organization learn the art of encouragement.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul reminds us how important it to encourage one another: “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11 - NLT). I suppose we could all get better at encouraging one another, yet we so easily forget what it feels like.
If you like me have children growing up I am sure you will agree with me that there is nothing quite like attending a concert at school or a production in church where our children are involved. You’ve seen it, or at least something like it, proud parents standing in the aisles and kneeling on the floor with cameras waiting to capture a picture of their children performing on stage. Others in the audience can hardly contain themselves and laugh and smile as the children perform.
It does not really matter that half of the children know the words and are singing with gusto, while the other half is a mixture of children waving to parents, talking to their friends or just standing around not sure what to do. No matter what the quality of the performance is, at the end always comes a roaring cheer and a standing ovation from the audience.
Have you noticed that things look a whole lot different when you grow up? For one, the encouragement certainly disappears. Often when we give it our all, there is no one around to give us a pat on the back, or encourage us in what we are doing. Yet, the Bible makes it very clear that encouragement is a basic need we cannot overlook or neglect as Christ-followers. So why not make a daily commitment to say a simple word of encouragement to somebody God has placed in your life.
Making it real:
• When last did someone encourage you? How did that change your perspective?
• Think about those in your life whom you can encourage. Take a moment to send them an email, a card or give them a phone call. Let them know that they are doing a good job.