The Power of Encouragement:
Speaking Life Into Others

Each day, we speak anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 words, yet how many of those words are used to encourage and uplift others?

Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, writes, "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are already doing." Similarly, in Hebrews, we are reminded to "consider one another in order to provoke love and good works." These scriptures emphasize that our words have the power to uplift and inspire those around us. But are we truly using our words to build people up?

Paul, in Ephesians, states, "No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear."

We often assume people know how much we appreciate them, but unspoken affirmations do little to nurture relationships. Words are powerful tools, and when used with intention, they can transform lives. Here's how to make your words count.

4 Ways to Make Your Affirmations Matter



1. If You Think It, Say It
   Too often, we keep encouraging thoughts to ourselves. We see someone excelling, being kind, or making a difference, and we acknowledge it internally but never verbalize it. What good does that do? People need to hear affirmations, not just be the subjects of silent admiration. If you think someone is doing a great job, say it!
   
   
2. Say It to Them, Not Just About Them
   Many of us have the habit of speaking highly about someone—but to others rather than to the person themselves. We might praise a friend’s generosity or a coworker’s diligence in conversations with others, yet fail to express those words directly. Why not change that habit? Direct encouragement strengthens relationships and validates the efforts of those we appreciate.
   
   
3. Be Specific in Your Praise
   A generic "good job" is nice, but a specific affirmation is far more impactful. Instead of simply saying, "You're great," try, "I admire how you always make time to help others. Your selflessness is inspiring." Specific praise resonates deeply and reinforces the behavior that made an impact.
   
   
4. Focus on Character, Not Just Performance
   While celebrating achievements is valuable, affirming character is even more important. A study involving first graders demonstrated that when children were praised for their intelligence alone, they hesitated to take on new challenges for fear of failure. However, when praised for persistence, effort, and teamwork, they embraced more difficult tasks. Likewise, affirming someone's integrity, kindness, or perseverance nurtures lasting confidence and growth.

The Value of Living Eulogies

As a pastor, I’ve attended many funerals where the best words about a person are spoken after they are gone. Family and friends share heartfelt stories of love, admiration, and respect. Yet, I often wonder—did they ever say those words to the person while they were alive?

Why wait until it’s too late? Imagine the impact of sharing those affirmations now. Let’s start giving "living eulogies"—expressing appreciation for the people in our lives today. Celebrate their uniqueness, their gifts, and their contributions.

Affirmation is more than just a feel-good practice; it is a biblical mandate to encourage and build up those around us. If we think something positive, we should say it. We should direct our words to the person who deserves to hear them. We should be specific, and we should focus on character as much as performance.

Remember This...

• Words have power—use them to build, not tear down.
• Affirmation should be direct, specific, and character-focused.
• Don’t wait—offer encouragement today.

Let’s create a culture of affirmation, where encouragement is spoken freely and people feel valued every single day.

Reach Out and Encourage a Leader Today

In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, it’s a privilege to be a part of a community that is consistently looking for ways to uplift and strengthen the work being done by Kingdom-minded leaders.

Whether you are working to make an impact in your local community or you are leading efforts on a global scale, we want to remind you today: Your work matters. Your leadership matters.

Today, we encourage you to reach out to one leader in your life—whether it’s someone in your church, your workplace, or a partner in ministry—and encourage them to keep going. A simple note, a text, or a call to let them know that their contributions to the Kingdom are seen and appreciated can have a lasting impact.

Download our Encouragement Guide  and use this free tool to brainstorm all the most effective ways to encourage the leaders in your life that mean the most to you.