Have you ever noticed how a kid's demeanor changes when someone encourages them? It is fascinating to think about just how powerful words are. One kind sentence can change someone's entire day. One word of encouragement can give someone the confidence to take the next step God is leading them towards. Our words have an impact, and as a result, Scripture compels us to use our words to have a positive impact on the people around us.
The apostle Paul understood the immense impact that our encouragement can have, and he wrote about it in 1 Thessalonians 5. In this chapter, he explained that because of Jesus, we can have eternal life with him forever if we put our faith in Him. Next, He said, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (verse 10). In light of all Jesus had done, Paul called followers of Christ to carry on a spirit of encouragement. This encouragement builds others up. It gives them strength, confidence, and empowerment. You have seen this in your own life when someone encouraged you and when you encouraged someone else. This includes the children in our lives. When we use our words to build them up and encourage them, they are empowered and stronger.
Our words have an impact, especially on the children in our lives. The question is, will we take this call to encourage and support others seriously? Will we support others, building them up, empowering them, and offering strength to keep going? This is the calling you and I have today. We have the profoundly vital opportunity to speak words of life and encouragement. May you and I be known for the way we encourage others around us through our words and actions. Let's be people who lift up the people around us.
Choose today to speak only positive words. Look for ways to encourage the people around you. If you feel yourself beginning to speak negatively, stop and correct yourself. As you build people up through your encouraging words, note the impact these words can have.
"But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ predicted. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them.
20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love.
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."
