Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. – Ephesians 4:29
Old Eb was, like many of his breed, rather stingy with words. He said very little, and even when he spoke, it was rather grudgingly. But one evening he was sitting on the front steps with his wife. The long day’s work, the good supper, and the peaceful sights and sounds of dusk must have softened him up a little. So he took his pipe out of his mouth and said, “When I think of what you’ve meant to me all these years, Judith, sometimes it’s almost more than I can stand not to tell you!”
Samuel Butle may have been onto something when he said, “Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes its value to its scarcity.” However, most of us would prefer to err on the side of giving too much praise than too little.
When others think of you, how do you think they would rate you on the amount of praise and encouragement you give them? Are you a source of encouragement in their lives? Or, do you tend to be discouraging as you interact with them?
Today’s Scripture couldn’t be clearer… every Christian should be a source of encouragement in the lives of others. Even in times of disagreement and rebuking, you can still speak to others in an encouraging way, letting them know that you care for them. So when it comes to your dealings with others, always be encouraging and let the love of Christ shine through you.
Prayer Challenge
Pray that God would reveal to you someone who needs a word of comfort today. Then, go encourage them with the love of Christ!
Questions for Thought
Does encouragement come naturally for you? Do you tend to say mostly positive or mostly negative things to those around you each day?
Who do you know that may need an encouraging word today?