The Lord your God is living among you … He will take delight in you with gladness … He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17
What if the words that help us grow most aren’t, “You’re perfect,” but something else entirely?
Logan ran to his mom, holding out a crumpled drawing. She smiled and told him, “I love how carefully you colored the sky.” His face lit up. She didn’t call it perfect—she noticed his effort. She saw his heart.
Modern researchers have discovered something the Bible’s been showing us all along: people grow stronger when they’re encouraged for their effort, not just praised for perfect results.[1] When praise centers on performance—saying: “That was perfect!” it quietly teaches that approval depends on success. Soon, the fear of failing can outweigh the joy of learning.
But when we affirm perseverance with: “I see how hard you’re trying,” we grow courage, resilience, and joy in the process itself. People praised for effort choose harder challenges. Those praised for results often play it safe. Encouragement that celebrates growth builds strength, not fear.
That’s exactly how God encourages us. He doesn’t wait until we’re perfect to celebrate, He delights in the process of shaping us. The Bible says that God, who began His good work in us, will keep working until it’s complete (Philippians 1:6). He’s not frustrated with your progress, He’s rejoicing over you as you grow. Scripture says, “The Lord your God is living among you … He will take delight in you with gladness … He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17).
When we encourage others this way, we mirror God’s heart. We remind them that love isn’t earned by perfection but given freely in grace. God builds us up mid-journey, saying, “I see you. Keep going. I’m with you.”
[1] Dweck, Carol S. “The Perils and Promises of Praise,” Educational Leadership 65, no. 2 (October 2007): 34–39.
