I watched in awe as the group’s demeanor shifted.

People who had come into the room, their minds weighed down with the day’s problems, began to lift up their heads. The mood lightened. Smiles appeared. Laughter erupted. Hearts bonded as confidence was restored.

This incredible team of leaders that I had the pleasure of sitting around a table with had been engaged in a simple exercise.

Speaking encouragement to one another.

The results were revelational and reminded me again that we, as human beings, need way more encouragement than we tend to get.

No exceptions.

Even those “strong” people in our lives – you know, the ones who appear like they have it all together, as though life just flows so easy for them. Yes, even they need encouragement.

Living in a fallen world; doing life with broken people; and bumping up against hardships, tests, and trails on a daily basis can drain our tanks pretty quickly.

How is your tank being replenished? Where is your encouragement coming from?

Clearly, spending time with God is essential and should be our primary go-to as He is the best encourager of all!

But beyond that, what voices have you surrounded yourself with that are cheering you on? Rooting for you when the days are long and the seasons are hard?

Find those people!

“A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word – how good that is!” (Proverbs 15:23 HCSB, emphasis mine)

Of course, there’s two sides to encouragement. You and I need to have people in our lives doing this for us but we also need to actively practice encouraging others!

Again, the vast majority of folks aren’t getting enough encouragement. Think about it, we tend to hear way more complaints, negativity, and unkind comments than we ever do encouragement.

So, how can we do our part to turn the tide and be supremely countercultural and life-giving instead?

Easy! Find a person today – any person – and build them up with pleasant words, inspiring words, words that impart peace and give life.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb; sweet to the taste and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24 HCSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!