Encourage One Another

When the children entered the building, I could see a mixture of emotions on their faces. I’ve been working with them for some time now, and I know them well. What a blessing it is—and I don’t take it lightly—that God has placed me in this position in their lives.

As we began our session, I was reminded of how much each of them has grown in their own ways. Some of the children have become more comfortable with themselves, while others have grown in their ability to connect with those around them.

I can’t recall exactly what prompted it—or, as the children would say, how it “jumped off”—but I was led to have each child tell the next something positive they had observed about them.

The Excitement in the Room

The atmosphere immediately shifted. Their words of encouragement flowed freely, andthey didn’t hold back. Some children could hardly wait for their turn to speak life into the one beside them.

After the first round, one of the children suggested that we continue going the other direction—counterclockwise. And so we did.

Building Up One Another

Scripture reminds us: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)

That day, I saw this verse come alive. One young boy, who has been struggling emotionally, sat a little taller as he received his words of affirmation. His chest poked out with pride as his peers spoke life into him.

Another child arrived late, after the encouragement had already begun. To his surprise, each child was instructed to share something positive about him as well. His face lit up as he listened—smiling and nodding in agreement with the kind words spoken over him.

We All Need Encouragement

The truth is, we all need encouragement—no matter our age. It strengthens us, heals us, and reminds us of who we are in God’s eyes.

So let us be intentional: encourage yourself, and make it a daily practice to encourage someone else.

Encouragement costs nothing, but it can change everything. Who can you encourage today?

Picture credit-CDC @Unsplash.com