The Transformative Power of Encouragement in Building Stronger Relationships and Faith
Encouragement enriches the human spirit and provides a powerful lift to those who receive it. Being around people who are generous with this stimulating tool is exhilarating, whereas criticism destroys and discourages. Our words hold immense power to uplift or tear down others, so we must use them wisely and intentionally.
Understanding the Power of Encouragement
Encouragement provides support and gives confidence to those who receive it. Our words have great power and potential to uplift or tear down
another, so we should use the tongue wisely (Prov 16:24, 18:21; Jas 3:5-6). We all need love and encouragement – don’t wait for others to
act first. Take the initiative and with Christ’s enabling, reach out and minister, placing more emphasis on giving than receiving. We will
be mutually encouraged as we give and receive (Mt 7:2; Rom 1:12; Gal 6:7-10).
If we like receiving it, chances others will too
Encouragement through supportive words and actions, besides regularly praying for people, shows we believe in them and their ability. It
uplifts and builds confidence. When a person attempts something and fails, come alongside them with empathy, not to condemn or point out
where they went wrong. Rather, in their disappointment, support them – acknowledging that at least they tried and through setbacks lessons
can be learnt – and encourage them to get up and try again. We are God’s ‘hands’ to embrace and a ‘shoulder’ to let them cry on (Rom 12:15).
Encouraging Through Life's Challenges
Provide extra encouragement for those you love during trying and difficult times through the careful use of genuinely spoken words such as ‘I care and believe in you’. Encourage them to press on in their pursuit of holiness and to live out the truth of our relationship and position in Christ – “The Lord is my shepherd…He is with us always…Nothing can separate us from God’s love” (Ps 23:1; Mt 28:20; Rom 8:28-39). Positive change takes place when truth is presented, especially in the context of loving, encouraging relationships, whereas harsh, cutting comments bring fear of exposure and rejection, hindering one’s walk through life.
When David’s life was under threat from his followers, he “encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Sam 30:6). This shows that although we should
give encouragement to and receive it from others, we can also lift our own spirits up – not having to rely on others to do it for us. He
turned his attention from himself to God. When self is the focus of our vision, life gets out of perspective. “Why are you cast down, O my
soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God” (Ps 42:5,11, 43:5).
Who have I encouraged today?
Becoming an Encourager to Others
As God is the real source of all that is good, acknowledge He has helped and enabled in the past and His power hasn’t changed. He has given us life, is watching over us now, and beyond this life will receive us to glory (1 Pet 1:3-6). Verbally express your praise to Him and appreciation to others. Draw emotional strength from the Bible; God chose us in Christ, being marked out beforehand to receive an eternal inheritance (Eph 1:4,11).
We are to encourage one another with the blessings we already have in Christ and to inspire hope for what is yet to be entered into (1 Thes 4:18, 5:11,14). An encourager is ‘other’ focused. Be available and listen not just to their words but also to the unspoken or disguised feelings conveyed. With sensitivity, draw the person out in a non-judgmental way, in words that express an interest in hearing more without rejecting or shutting them down. Often it costs no more than being observant to see an admirable quality or area you can encourage in another and then conveying that – this will motivate them to continue to improve. Encouragement views others as valuable, yet with the potential to change even more.
We all fear rejection in some form. The power of encouragement is its ability to understand and convey acceptance to another when their needs and faults are exposed and they may feel threatened. The Holy Spirit is ‘one who comes alongside to help’ (Jn 14:16,26). As God’s children, we also are given the privilege and responsibility to “Encourage one another...” (Heb 10:25).On the oft-times hard, discouraging path of life, the Bible instructs us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:2). To encourage yourself, count the blessings that are yours because Christ is your Saviour, while looking beyond your own problems to uplift others who are down, “Doing to others as you would like done to you” (Lk 6:31). Job’s situation radically changed for the better when he was outward focused and ministered to others (Job 42:10).
Encouragement gives hope and acceptance
True encouragement provides hope to those who are struggling and acceptance to those who feel isolated. When we encourage others, we become
channels of God’s love, reminding them of their worth and potential in Christ. This ministry of encouragement builds strong communities and
deepens relationships.
The Bible was written so that through endurance and its encouraging message we might have hope, and being in unity with one another will glorify God (Rom 15:4-5). We are called to be instruments of encouragement in each other’s lives, reflecting the very nature of God who encourages us through His Word and presence.
Like a stone thrown into a pond, encouragement creates ripples that extend far beyond the initial interaction. A single word of encouragement can transform someone’s day, which in turn affects how they treat others, creating a chain reaction of positive influence throughout families, workplaces, and communities.
The Ripple Effect of Encouragement
Reflection and Application:
- Consider someone who has encouraged you in the past. How did their words or actions impact you? How can you pass that encouragement forward to someone else today?
- Reflect on areas in your life where you need encouragement. Who could you reach out to, and how might you communicate your needs in a way that allows others to support you?
- Think about opportunities in your daily interactions where you might offer specific, genuine encouragement instead of criticism or silence. What difference might this make in your relationships?
- Consider how you can encourage yourself in the Lord during difficult times. What scriptures or practices help you shift focus from your problems to God’s faithfulness?