In a culture of soundbites and sarcasm, the power of an authentic encouraging word has never been greater.
Within our larger culture and sadly even within many church contexts, we have lost sight of the importance of being people of encouragement. We can tell the world what we think in 140 characters or less, post mocking memes, and spout self-righteous indignation, but how well are you doing in the area of encouragement?
Think about how a lack of encouragement undermines healthy relationships:
Marriages grow sour when criticism and condemnation occur far more often than encouraging words.Young people grow weary and lack the grit to overcome their fears.Employees grow restless and apathetic when management fails to affirm the good word that is being done.Churches members feel insecure and belittled when leaders rely on rebuke to shame congregants into the results they desire.
Consider the power of appropriate words from Proverbs 25:11–13.
[11] A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
[12] Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
[13] Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he
