A Christian’s call to encouragement

This past Sunday, my pastor taught about how godliness begets godliness. When we live out our faith actively, we are inspiring those around us to do the same. His sermon focused specifically on boldness. When we are bold in our faith, we naturally inspire other Christians to live in boldness too.

But after the sermon, I applied the same message to the concept of encouragement. Do you remember the last time someone intentionally encouraged you and built you up? I bet you can recall almost exactly what they said and how it made you feel. And even if you do not remember, I bet it made you kinder to those around you for a substantial amount of time afterwards. Encouragement begets encouragement.

Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about the importance of encouragement in times of turbulence. It says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

As we experience and witness overwhelming amounts of pain and dysfunction happening throughout our world, we are commanded to fight the temptation to complain, grow cynical, or disparaging of others. Christians must fight to remain encouragers, in person and online. 

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen,” Ephesians 4:29. 

As I read these scriptures, I feel convicted. Admittedly, I value my opinions too highly, and as a former journalism major, I like to keep up with the day’s headlines. But this verse is clear. It doesn’t say do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths (unless you can justify it using your own understanding and logic). It says 
“do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.” Biblically, there are no exceptions for unwholesome talk.

Boy, have I got some praying to do.

Will you join me this week as we strive to have more self-control with our words, spoken and written? Let’s become people that leave a legacy of encouragement that inspires others.

Written by Audra Beaty, associate director of digital marketing, Buckner International