In the midst of trying to think of a way to open our discussion about why encouraging words matter, and about the necessity – and urgency – of speaking them, the unthinkable happened. We unexpectedly lost our beloved friend, LGG translator, leader, and role model Edurne.
- Edurne was an encourager in person. Conversations with her were “bucket fillers,” and I always left feeling more hopeful and more content.
- She was an encourager from afar. Edurne lived in a remote village in Venezuela. She had daily hardships and an inconsistent internet connection, but that never stopped her from sending encouraging notes and reminders that she was diligently praying.
- Even in her death, her encouraging words live on and are, in fact, part of her legacy.
Her words mattered. And matter still.
Friends, the world is hard. At best, it feels unpredictable. Too often, it feels crushing and dire. And in a world where there are so many “voices” and so much noise – social media, TV, Twitter – it’s all the more important that our real voices be heard. We are so connected but so many people feel worthless and alone.
Let us not be complicit in the world’s noisy, secular chaos by our silence. Your words matter.
Well, then, what do we say? It doesn’t have to be polished or prophetic, but realize that your words can build or destroy. The Bible has much to say about the importance of being an encourager:
- “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24
Tell people the good you see in them. Nurture the spirits of your children. Point out endearing qualities of your spouse. Seek out the people who are too often overlooked to offer an encouraging word. Be genuine and be intentional.
- Encourage fellow believers to fight the good fight until Christ returns.
- Encourage non-believers so that they’ll marvel at (and seek out) your unshakeable hope and joy.
Discouragement is Satan’s tool, and Scripture warns us about being “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). Satan creates a discouraging cycle that breads discontentment and creates disillusionment.
But, friends, we have the ultimate encouragement in Jesus.
Be the light. Be the one who speaks truth. Be the voice that shows mercy. Be the song of hope.
Your words matter.
Thank you for this great reminder of how we are to be encouraging one another! We are called to be doing this, but I find it so easy to let the opportunities slide as I remain silent.
Meranda,
Thank you for being with us in the blog and sharing with us today. I feel this message spoke to me, also! Praying that God gives us the courage and strength to speak up when opportunities present themselves to do His will. God Bless You!
Amen, sista! Let’s speak life with our words.
I am so thankful for Edurne’s example, and I am enjoying reading her You Version devos for this study — available on the LGG App or You Version.
Lyli,
Amen! Her devotionals are inspiring women around the world. She was such a godly example for all of us. God Bless You, dear friend.
Yes. I agree. We do need to use our words to encourage people especially the ones who get overlooked.
Allison,
Thank you for joining us and sharing on the blog today. May God give us the courage to speak up when we should for ourselves, others and for Him. God Bless You!
Your comment about “not being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” reminds me of everyone who is leery of helping the homeless you see begging for money because some drive new cars and live in big houses.
My son asked me why I still help the homeless when I see them. I told him, God gives us the opportunity to help and we should do it as unto the Lord. If the person is sinning by being deceitful, then that is on them.
Perhaps a kind word and genuine carring may impact how they move forward. That part is up to God.
My helping and speaking kindly to the homeless man gave me the opportunity to speak encouraging words to my son. Your words may have an impact in ways you might not expect.
Elle,
Thank you for joining us and sharing on the blog today. What a wonderful example of caring about and encouraging others you are setting for your son! Continue spreading joy to those around you and less fortunate, sweet friend and God Bless You.
Thank you for reminding me of my sweet mentor Linda! Please prayer for her as the sole encourager of her family and me!
Gillian,
Thank you for being with us today and recognizing your mentor, Linda. Lifting her and her family with you in prayer tonight. God Bless You!
Words, written or expressed verbally are so powerful. I grew up a very shy introvert. Thankfully God has placed me in situations where I had to learn to speak up, not just think the words, but say the words. I still find it easier to write my thoughts than to say them. I still fight with the introvert inside of me daily trying to draw upon the courage the Holy Spirit supplies.
I have missed so many opportunities to share Jesus, to speak words of encouragement, to share myself during my lifetime. I admired Edurne so much. Our “chats” were a balm to my spirit. She was an encourager to me and inspired me to be an encourager to others. She may have been with me (with us) for a short time, but the threads of encouragement and inspiration she wove into my life tapestry are strong and bound together in the love of Christ.
What we say affects so many people. People who may never know. I had an elderly friend who I wrote to several times a year and she would write back thanking me for the card and how she looked forward to my next one. Little did I know at the time, she kept each card and when she passed her family found the cards neatly tucked away in a shoebox (several years worth) and sat down and read them, were encouraged by them, and kept them for themselves. The Lord blessed me with new acquaintances bound together by our mutual love. When I wrote those cards, I didn’t think much of it but the impact was a God thing.
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