Encourage

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Do you remember that rhyme from your days in school? Do you remember when you learned that it wasn’t true…that words can hurt?

The writer of Proverbs has a lot to say about words.

Proverbs 18:21 tells us that the tongue – our words- have the power of life and death.

We need to choose life!

Here is some more wisdom from Proverbs: "…a timely word is good." (15:23b) and "…a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." (25:11)

Sounds like our words can be affirming and encouraging rather than hurtful. Sounds like our words can have great value – precious like silver and gold.

Words of criticism and complaint come so easily. Though some folks seem to be naturals at encouraging, for most of us, it requires a conscious decision.

1 Thes.5:11 says “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Encourage one another…it’s not complicated really. It doesn’t require eloquence – just a word…maybe an email…a quick phone call…send a text… a note sent in the mail (so exciting to receive!).

When you tell someone that what they are doing makes a difference…that makes a difference!

Sometimes God will prompt you to encourage someone. You may not know why. You may not know that they need encouragement on that day but God knows. Just a simple but sincere “praying for you today.” can make an impact and also open the door for more … more ministry … more relationship.

On the other hand, if you have been encouraged, let the encourager know that what they did mattered. That’s building each other up – it goes two ways. Receive encouragement. Give encouragement…"build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Ruth