The Power of Encouragement

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Our words are powerful. Have you heard of self-fulfilling prophecies? Have you considered when we speak bad things over ourselves and they happen? The tongue gets us into trouble often, but it can also help us and each other when we speak words of encouragement. “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him” (Matthew 12:34–35).

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). How do we renew our minds? Our minds are renewed by meditating on Gods law and by thinking on good and pleasant things (Philippians 4:8). Many times we need to speak these things out loud to remind ourselves.

As the Body of Christ, we are commanded to encourage one another. It is important to speak encouraging words to one another in faith. Our words are powerful and they can lift up a weary soul. They can bring truth and light to a dark situation. Use your words carefully when speaking to one another. The old adage, “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me” is actually false. We know that words can wound us in our spirits—children being told they are bad begin to believe it after a while. We can all remember hurtful things that someone spoke over us. The good news is that God can redeem the situation and we as leaders in the Body of Christ can bring God’s truth to the situation.