The Power of Encouragement

Encourage: to put courage into
Hebrews 10:25 NLT
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but
encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is
drawing near.
Hebrews 3:12-13 NCV
So brothers and sisters, be careful that none of you has an evil,
unbelieving heart that will turn you away from the living God. But
encourage each other every day while it is “today.” Help each other
so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you.
Proverbs 25:11 AMP
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right
time.
How to Become a Person of Authentic Encouragement:

1. Realize that our human nature will always default to focus on the
   NEGATIVE rather than the POSITIVE.
   Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT
   Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as
   well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other,
   tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has
   forgiven you.
2. Challenge yourself to pray SPECIFICALLY AND OFTEN for the
   Lord to make you an INTENTIONAL, CONSISTENT VOICE of
   encouragement.
   Isaiah 35:3-4 AMP
   Encourage the exhausted, and make staggering knees firm. Say to
   those with an anxious and panic-stricken heart, “Be strong, fear not!”
   Proverbs 15:4 AMP
   A soothing tongue [speaking words that build up and encourage] is a
   tree of life, but a perversive tongue [speaking words that overwhelm
   and depress] crushes the spirit.
3. Channel the power of your influence to build up rather than to tear
   down.
   Ephesians 4:29 NLT
   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 GNT
   Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build
   up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to
   those who hear you.
   1 Samuel 30:6 KJV
   And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning
   him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for
   his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the
   Lord his God.
   Declaration:
   As the day of your return is drawing near, Lord, we will not neglect to
   encourage one another. Rather, we will make it our focus. It is time
   for us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and
   slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, we commit to be
   kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving one another just as
   You have forgiven us. We choose to speak and post words that build
   others up as opposed to tearing them down. Let us not be found
   guilty of crushing or wounding the spirit of another person. Let what
   we say become a tree of life regarding our families, our neighbors,
   our leaders and even our enemies. In our darkest moments, we will
   also remember who You are, and — like David — say, “Bring me the
   Ephod,” as a declaration of the power of your great name!