Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
Who’s the most encouraging person in your life– the one whose words always lift you up when you’re feeling down?
Every time someone leaves a conversation with Jin-Ho, they feel hopeful and seen. He listens deeply, and his hopeful perspective leaves you feeling like you matter and have a future. “I see God working in your life, even through the hard stuff—you’re not stuck here,” he says to a young man he’s mentoring. It’s the kind of encouragement that invites people to hope.
In the Bible book of Acts, we meet Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement.” He became one of the most influential people in the early church because of his relentless encouragement. When there was financial need, Barnabas sold his property and gave the money to the church. When Paul was treated as an outcast because of his past, Barnabas invited him into the community. Barnabas didn’t get critical when people made mistakes—he helped them move forward. Doesn’t that sound like someone you want in your life?
We need encouragers like Barnabas today! People who create a safe space for others to heal, grow, and step into their God-designed potential. Are you someone who cheers for others and believes the best about them?
This kind of encouragement isn’t just about saying something nice. We need to train ourselves to see people through God’s eyes of love. Scripture tells us, “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). When we do this, our words naturally uplift others.
How can you speak encouragement today? When we ask Jesus to align our thoughts with His, we’ll see our words bring life to others.
