The Power of Encouraging Words
We see in Scripture that David was regularly “strengthened by the Lord.” Some translations say, “He encouraged himself in the Lord,” which means to strengthen or prevail (1 Samuel 30:6). And while I believe that God can give us a new spirit of strength in a way that we cannot, I also believe that He has given us the responsibility to encourage others around us. We want to show them that we are for them. In one sense, all of us are CEOs. We are Chief Encouragement Officers.
How are we building up our Small Group Point People with our words?
Give or take, statistics say for the highest performance, for one to feel at their best and greatest capacity, it takes about six positive comments for every one negative comment in a group or on a team. There is such power in words, and words can have a lasting effect on peoples’ lives. For better or for worse. But, we hope for the better!
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.”
Have you ever walked away from a conversation with someone where you felt so good about yourself, and it was because of a word that they said? Try to recall a time in your life where this has happened. It might have been refreshing or uplifting. Maybe it was challenging. Just as God speaks to us in our lives through words, so too are we called to give others words. Words that have a positive domino effect. Simple as it may be- a thank you, a prayer, or a commissioning. God spoke words and has given us the capacity to also speak words that can build up one another.
There are three things that I have found to be the most strengthening and encouraging for my Small Group Point People:
- Speak Over Them– Take a step back and ask yourself, “What do I want to see in this/these groups?” Then, begin to pray over the small group with specific words. Silently or out loud speak words of life over your groups.
- Speak About Them– We have a saying that is a staff value at our our church, “Brag about people behind their backs.” Bragging about your groups is not a bad thing! It encourages other people to want to jump into a group or to grow in their leadership skills so that they too can be equipped to be a Small Group Point Person! People want to be a part of something that is encouraging because encouragement is contagious! Speak highly of your groups and Small Group Point People- it has immense ripple effects.
- Speak To Them– In addition to bragging behind peoples’ backs. Tell it to them in person! Make sure they know that you believe in them, and you are speaking highly of them. It is one thing to speak about someone when they aren’t there. It’s another to let them know that something positive was said about them in a previous conversation. It’s an extra boost of confidence! Sometimes we get busy and forget to share an encouraging word, but adding value to peoples’ lives takes intentionality and discernment. Choose your words wisely but also use them freely.
What groups do you need to speak over? Who can you brag about behind their back? Who do you need to encourage and give a word to?
