Episode Details

Encouragement is more than offering compliments or saying something nice. It is a command from God and an essential part of how we care for one another as followers of Jesus. Yet we often fail to encourage others because of discomfort, a hesitancy to give credit to others still growing, or simply being too focused on ourselves.The Apostle Paul provides a model for encouragement that begins with prayer and gratitude. As we pray for others, our hearts become more attentive to their needs, and our words begin to reflect God's love. We can encourage others by reminding them of their identity in Christ, recognizing the impact of their lives, pointing out what God is doing, and reminding them of the hope of God's coming kingdom.Encouragement begins in the heart, is shaped by prayer, and is expressed through words that build others up.