Wednesday, November 6, 2024
If you joined us for week 1 of At the Movies, you know we explored the story of The Boys in the Boat. If you missed it, I encourage you to stream the movie*.
The pivotal theme of encouragement reminded me of how others have used their words to motivate and uplift me. Those positive influences always came at the right time, just like when Coach Ky told his rival, Coach Al, that no one deserved to go to the Olympics more than the Washington rowing team. He backed it up by opening his checkbook when economic circumstances stood in Coach Al’s way. Coach Ky could’ve let his competitor fail. Instead, he built him up and filled his heart.
We are called to be better than the worst we have faced. We have all experienced discouragement from others, so why would we want to do the same—to cut the heart out with the tongue? I want to be an encouraging voice for others (outside of writing). It's important to always be a positive and encouraging voice for others, because we never know when our words will resonate. That's why I believe it's important to circle back and thank the people who have encouraged me.
A few years ago, a high school friend commented on Facebook that I had helped encourage her in ninth grade when she struggled to fit in. I had no idea that my words had positively impacted someone enough for them to remember years later. We all need to be reminded that our words have more potential and more impact than we realize.
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Being an encouraging voice doesn’t mean everything you say has to be surrounded by sunshine and rainbows. Be honest with your words, making sure they all come from a God-honoring heart. Speaking the right words, at the right time, in the right way, can validate others’ feelings, push them to keep going, or help them turn things around. Your voice can ease pain or open the eyes of someone who has been blinded by shame, hurt, or doubt. Your encouragement might remind someone of their God-given purpose.
Questions:
Who are you a voice of encouragement to? What motivates you to encourage others?
Next Steps:
Try to speak with grace when addressing others. Watch your tone and choose warm words, even during disagreements.
Prayer:
God, help me be a voice of reason and encouragement. Guide my words and my heart. Let my tongue speak with the spirit, not the world's harshness. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Today’s post was written by Jaron Camp, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.
*CedarCreek does not agree with every part of the movies they have selected. We have only used them for purposes of illustration.