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Presented by Lisa Bishop
I’m examining the 5 attitudes for everyday life, and today I want to invite you to reflect on this question, “Are you an encourager?”
Think about it. The dictionary defines encouragement as words or behavior that give someone the confidence to do something.
In other words, when we encourage someone, we give courage to them.
I was flying home from a work trip the other day when a text came through right before takeoff. It was from a woman I had not seen or talked to in two years and out of the blue her words of encouragement came through. They brought tears to my eyes and were like water to my soul.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the body (Proverbs 16:24).
When you speak goodhearted words, it breathes life into people. The words you speak can bring healing.
A few weeks ago, I was having lunch with a friend, and I started chatting up the young man who was preparing our order. I commented about how much I appreciated his kind disposition. You should have seen the look on his face. He lit up, flashed a huge smile, and then proceeded to tell me I just made his day. I don’t say this to toot my own horn but rather to share an example of how easy it can be to breathe life into people around us every day. How do you use your words to strengthen those around you? Think about people at work. Who can you give sincere words of encouragement to? Simply point out something you appreciate about who they are and the value they bring to the team. Studies show people who feel appreciated at their job have more joy and greater satisfaction.
I don’t know why, but we can be so stingy with our words when it doesn’t take much to make a positive impact on someone. I think we can all agree there is a shortage of kindness these days. Whether in the workplace, at home, or at the grocery store, there’s no limit to the love and light of Jesus that we can spread when we use our words to water another person’s soul.
As you go about your days, look for ways to breathe life into people with your words. Be an encourager. Say a kind word. You just never know the impact you can have, and what you say may just be the boost someone needs to keep going in their day.