156. Be Encouraging — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about  how a word of encouragement can change someone's entire day, or even their life.

Have you noticed how easy it is to be critical of someone but much harder to praise them? This is sad because encouragement can be like water in a desert. It refreshes the soul, revives hope, and propels people forward when they might otherwise give up.

The Bible is full of exhortations to encourage one another. Paul writes, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). This wasn't just a nice suggestion; it was a command, recognizing the vital role encouragement plays in our spiritual lives.

Consider Barnabas in the New Testament. His name actually means "son of encouragement." He was the one who vouched for Paul when the other apostles were skeptical of his conversion (Acts 9:27). Later, he encouraged the young John Mark even after Paul had given up on him (Acts 15:36-39). His encouragement helped shape two of the most influential figures in early Christianity.

Encouragement isn't about empty flattery or false praise. It's about recognizing and affirming the good we see in others, spurring them on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). It's about speaking life into situations where others might only see defeat.

So, how can we become people of encouragement? First, make it a habit to look for the positive in others. Even in their struggles, can you see their effort, their potential, their heart? Second, be specific in your encouragement. Instead of general praise, point out particular actions or qualities you admire.

Third, encourage not just in words but in actions. Sometimes, encouragement might mean offering practical help or simply being present. As it says in Proverbs, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver" (Proverbs 25:11).

Remember, encouragement isn't just for others—it's for us too. We should encourage ourselves with God's promises and truths. As David did, we can "find strength in the Lord our God" when we feel discouraged (1 Samuel 30:6).

Today, dear friend, consider sending a message to someone who's been on your mind. Tell a family member something you appreciate about them. Encourage a colleague in their work. Your words might be the very thing they need to hear today.

God bless you.