“The Power of Encouragement—Even for Old People”
“But encourage each other every day while it is ‘today.’ Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you.” (Hebrews 3:13, New Century Version)
Yesterday, I was walking at a nearby park. There was a large group of young people some of whom were running while other young people were cheering them on. I was walking, thank you very much, but I did applaud some of the young people who were running. But then, one of the young men looked directly at me and said, “You’re doing great! You can do this!”
I immediately started running full tilt. I ran fast, but not very far. I pumped my fists in the air as if I had just finished first in an Olympic race. The young people cheered. I have no idea if they were making fun of me or not. I don’t even care. From my standpoint, it was a sweet moment.
A little encouragement goes a very long way. I am afraid that our culture encourages us to discourage, rather than to encourage. But who says that, just because our culture elevates bringing people down, Christ-followers should join the discouragement train? Do we really think it makes us cool to pour ice water on others?
I used to be a terrible discourager. I was not at “home on the range, . . . where never is heard a discouraging word.” I was full of lots of discouraging words. I do much better these days, and I am so thankful to God for the improvement. Is there still room for improvement? Absolutely! But I do so much better than I used to do.
Perhaps it might be helpful if I (and everyone else) got up in the morning and one of our first prayers was this: God, please help me to be an encourager today. And please help me to enjoy the encouragement that others give to me.
You’re doing great! You can do this!
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