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.

Ephesians 4:29

Every day we have countless opportunities to lift others up, to encourage and empower them with our words. But too often, in our self-focused, overly-busy lives, we end up being more discouraging than encouraging. We get frustrated with people who are slowing us down, those with whom we disagree, and those who adhere to beliefs or morals that are radically opposed to our own. 

It isn’t hard to understand why so many people struggle with discouragement and lack of confidence these days when everywhere we look we are bombarded with negativity, finger-pointing, and us vs. them mentality. There seems to be far more blaming and shaming than blessing and encouraging. As Christians, we are the last people who should be discouraging, arguing with, or shaming anyone no matter what the circumstances! If our words are not marked by love, humility, patience, and kindness, they have no business being spoken at all.

To avoid being a victim of all that negativity and shame, first focus on who you are in Christ! You are His precious, chosen, deeply-loved child. His heart and His character are what define you, not social media, not Hollywood, public opinion, popularity, appearance, talent, or wealth. Then, get out there in the world, and be an encourager! Help silence all the negative by reminding everyone who they really are, that they are chosen, loved, and treasured by the Creator of the World. Counter all the lies and negativity with the truth of Jesus. For every negative comment or discouraging voice you hear, give at least two positive, life-giving truths. God will work through your words to change hearts and minds, so make them count! You are loved!  

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

~Maya Angelou