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A Mandate to Encourage

Christian leaders must be encouragers! Never has this truth been more relevant than it is today. Paul teaches Christians to “encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, New Living Translation).

In 2 Timothy 4:2 he says to “Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” (NIV). At least 62 other references in the Bible specifically deal with the issue of encouragement.

God intends for each of us to be an encourager. When God becomes the center of a person’s thought life, dramatic changes happen. God’s truth begins to permeate her entire being, including attitudes. Fear of rejection disappears. Grudges become obsolete. Prejudices are replaced by unconditional love. Even critical spirits are transformed.

Every time someone gives encouragement, innumerable little miracles occur. Consider the power behind this proverb, “An anxious heart weighs a person down, but a kind word cheers him up” (Proverbs 12:25, NIV). Do you remember a time when you experienced a particularly difficult situation? Can you remember how hard it was to even talk to anyone? Then a precious saint said or did something simple which encouraged you. Perhaps it was nothing more than acknowledging your presence, but in that moment a miracle occurred! Her encouragement lifted your spirit and gave you strength to go on.

This is good leadership—inspiration through encouragement. No one has a greater opportunity to impact lives than you. No one has a greater responsibility to encourage than you do. So remember, encouraging others isn’t an option, nor is it a personality trait. It is a divine mandate!