What if we realized that every time we have a conversation it’s an opportunity to encourage someone?

What is so amazing about this is the fact that when you get a handle on being more of an encourager, not only does it benefit the people we encourage, it will benefit you too.

It’s a win-win.

In Proverbs, chapter 11, Solomon gives us an incredible principle that relates to encouragement. I believe this principle can help us as we seek to increase the level of encouragement in all of our conversations. The simple encouragement principle is found in Proverbs 11:25b; “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (NIV)

Solomon is getting at an assumption that just about everybody needs to be encouraged. All of us, to some extent, are plagued by self-doubt or insecurity in some form or another. The international sign that reveals that a person needs to be encouraged is the fact that they are breathing. We all need to be encouraged.

What seems so strange is that we often get this right at funerals. I have seen it again and again. You hear people saying things like, “He was such a great guy. She was so awesome.”

People are quick to express their love, appreciation, gratitude for the deceased. There’s nothing wrong with expressing sincere affirmation in memory of a loved one or friend, but why wait? Go ahead and say these things while they are alive and while

it matters.

Encouragement is an on-purpose proposition. You’ve got to fight for this.

Because if we’re not careful, we will drift toward criticism and negativity in the words we speak.

So often, we spend most of our time assessing and complaining about the things that aren’t quite right. What if we could shift our focus and begin appreciating more the things that are right?

Our words have the ability to shape a person’s perception of themselves.

We also need to remember that the words we speak about ourselves can be instrumental in shaping our perspective, too.

The point is that our words are powerful. And if we were to take it one step further, we need to admit that our words not only shape how others see themselves and how we see ourselves, but they shape our perception of how God sees us.

Encouragement is huge. That is why we have to work at this. Let’s spend more time appreciating the things and speaking positive encouraging words.

You can read Steve Greene’s blog at www.pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].