All of us experience circumstances and interact with people we could not predict nor have any control over. Fortunately what we can control is how we react to circumstances and people. This week at the dinner table my son brought up toxic people. We asked him what did he mean by toxic. He said it was people who are rude, mean, and overly aggressive. They also gossip and tear others down. He was glad his friends weren’t like that and he never wants to be like that. I’m glad he sees how destructive that is. We should all seek to build people up, especially during difficult, uncertain, and stressful times.
In the Bible, the writer of Hebrews, encouraged believers to work together and support each other even though they were persecuted for their faith. “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” (Hebrews 10:24-25). Recognizing that Jesus will return someday soon, each of us should make the most of every day we are given. A great way to do that is to bless people by speaking the truth in love.
This requires following God’s guidance–to see with his eyes, to feel with his heart, and to act as his hands and feet to build others up. Like Jesus did while walking this earth, you should intentionally look beyond yourself, discern, empathize, engage, and serve. In the process not only do other people benefit, but you do also. As you encourage others it keeps your heart tender toward God. Conversely despairing from trials and suffering can cause your heart to grow cold, bitter, cynical, and distant from God. Again in the book of Hebrews it says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). Words of encouragement foster fellowship and hope. They help you and others combat fear, anxiety, jealousy, callousness, division, and deception. They are nourishing, pleasant, and restorative. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). By spreading encouragement you draw attention to the good of God’s grace at work in others and for others. The greatest effect of encouragement is that it can draw people closer to God (Romans 2:4).
Believers show God’s light to brighten dark days. Sometimes I don’t feel like shining. Maybe that’s true for you, too. You might even feel like darkness is closing in. Realize we are each in a battle that starts in the mind and plays out in our lives. Satan wants to discourage and defeat you. Rely on God so you can resist him. Listening to and obeying God, will determine if you will be effective in vanquishing the darkness around you and around others. The apostle Paul told believers to equip themselves, “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). What does putting on faith, love, and hope look like in encouraging others? Here are some practical ways Paul mentions later in his letter to the Thessalonian believers. “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-18).
In summary, find ways to acknowledge and celebrate the notable, the virtuous, and the beautiful in others. Show them that all this good comes from God (James 1:17). Come alongside them. Lift them up. Seek their success. Help them find and follow Jesus. Fan their flame. Light their world and yours by placing your hope in God and then cheering others on.