Isn’t encouragement an amazing thing? Doesn’t something mysteriously powerful happen in your heart when someone speaks a few simple words of encouragement to you?
Just prior to entering the Promised Land God told Moses, “But commission Joshua and ENCOURAGE and strengthen him for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land.” (Deuteronomy 3:28) In a very critical moment in this young guy’s life God reminded Moses to encourage him. The Hebrew word for encourage is chazaq which means, “to make strong or firm”. Encouragement has power. Here are 7 things encouragement will do for its recipients:
- It helps them see the work God is doing in or through their life
- It motivates them to continual improvement.
- It enhances their confidence and courage.
- It expands their vision. When they know the progress they’ve made has been recognized and appreciated it causes them to dream bigger.
- It validates their giftedness. Most people struggle with clarity in understanding the area of their giftedness. A specific word of encouragement can help bring needed confirmation.
- It creates relational trust. A team with no trust will crumble.
- It teaches them to encourage others.
Within a team, family, small group, or business, and/or church, when encouragement becomes viral, the culture that is created is powerfully contagious. So, be intentional this week to encourage those you lead, parent, do life with, or simply pass in the hall.
