Encourage Your Friends

Loneliness, fear, and depression are all on the rise. Though we enjoy the benefits of the internet, many feel more isolated than ever. God created us for relationships both with Himself and others. We need friends. One of the secrets that Paul taught us about friendships and community is the power of affirming others.

Paul was sitting in jail when he wrote his friends living in Philippi. That doesn’t sound very fun to me! Yet, Paul was filled with joy even while in chains. One of the secrets to Paul’s joy was his ability to affirm his friends. Paul wrote that He thanked God every time he remembered them (Philippians 1:3), praised them for being great partners in his ministry (Philippians 1:4), and reassured them that he felt confident in them(Philippians 1:6). As a result of affirming others Paul had many friends.

May I ask you, when was the last time you affirmed one of your friends for a quality you admired in them? By using our words to highlight what is admirable in others, we serve as a refreshing friend to those around us. The Old Testament writer Solomon wrote, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). Words indeed have power, and when we use them to encourage others, we are encouraged and end up experiencing more joy. Why don’t you give affirmation a try today? Think of a friend and send a text message, or give them a call or write a note and affirm at least one quality that you appreciate about them. The enemy of our souls lives to accuse. Let your voice of affirmation be louder than the voice of the accuser.

Pause and Reflect:

Think about the last time someone affirmed you for a quality they saw in your life. How did that make you feel? How might you encourage someone today?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You have designed me for relationships. Thank You that You have given me the ability to affirm others. Help me to remember today to use my words to encourage others.