“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
While on the phone with my mom the other day, I mentioned how thankful I was that she had influenced me to regularly read my bible. To my surprise, she told me she had no idea that she was the one who’d led me to pick up such a wonderful habit. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t know. I grew up watching her read her bible every night before she went to bed. Didn’t she realize her example had guided me to faithfully seek God’s word?
As my mother’s words sunk in I realized I had taken for granted that she already knew how much I treasured her positive influence. Proverbs 3:27 reminds us to not withhold good from others when it’s in our power to give them what they need. Everyone needs encouragement. If someone does something good, we should acknowledge it. We shouldn’t keep words of encouragement to ourselves when it’s in our power to use them to help build others up.
One of the definitions for the word encourage is to give support to (someone) so that they’ll do or continue to do something. In other words, when we let people know how much we appreciate them, we are motivating them to continue to do the good things they have already been doing. If you think about it, speaking an encouraging word to someone is like giving them the nutrients they need to thrive. –Tweet this!
Is there someone who has been a positive influence in your life? Was it your mom? A coach? A teacher? Maybe it’s a close friend? If possible, reach out and let them know how much you appreciate them. You’ll be glad you did.
Lets Pray:
“Lord I thank you for placing (name of your person) in my life. I thank you for the positive
influence they’ve had on me. Help me to remember to let him/her know how much I appreciate them. And please guide my words so they are full with the love and encouragement he/she needs to hear. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen! ”
Thank you for following along today. I hope you are inspired to speak words that encourage others to blossom. ~Kelly
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Weekly Linkups
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Our influence stretches further than we know. Lovely post!
Thank you!
Hi Kelly it is so nice to meet you. And yes please someone needs our encouragement. ..we need others to encourage us too😊
That what your visit meant to me…new friend.
Hugs and sweet blessings.
It’s nice to meet you too Ifeoma!
Thank you for reminding us to show our appreciation for and encourage others. If we don’t, they may never know how we felt towards them. My mom is 81 and still the one who encourages and motivates us all with her cheerful and positive outlook each day. I think I will let her know that today! Thank you!
PS – I think this is my first time here so, nice to “meet” you! 🙂
You are welcome Joanne. It’s so nice to meet you too!
i forget to share that word – thanks, kelly – i love mark twain’s line: I can go two weeks on one good compliment! i like to tell my husband, I can live two hours on one good compliment! haha have a a great day!
That’s a great quote Sue! I’m going to have to remember it. 🙂
Kelly, thank you so much for your inspiring words. Too often I have taken people in my life for granted and I’m trying to be better about that!
You are so welcome Jem. I needed this reminder too!
Hi Kelly – thank YOU for the encouragement you have here constantly. And thank you for the reminder to let people know when they have done something I appreciate, instead of just thinking it. Have a blessed Thursday!
Thank you for your kind words Chelsey 🙂