In my entire life I’ve never heard someone say, ‘Please give me some more criticism,’ or ‘Would you mind sharing a few more passive-aggressive comments with me?’ or ‘Remind me about that big mistake I made a few years ago just one more time.’

I’ve also never heard someone say that they’ve had all the encouragement they need. ‘No need to say anything more, I’m all topped up with encouragement, thank you very much.’

Hear this counsel from Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…”

Encouraging one another.

As far as I can tell, the word ‘encourage’ is built on ‘corage,’ the Old French word for heart. To encourage someone is to enlarge their heart, metaphorically speaking of course. It’s a helpful word for the pilgrimage, a smile, a compliment, a note, a song, a pat on the back, a hug, a listening ear, or just being there. 

After someone encourages you, your heart grows, along with your stride and strength. And after you encourage someone else, their heart grows, along with their stride and strength. 

We are each other’s cheering section, drowning out the villainous chants of a mad, dark world.

Get into the heart enlargement business.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.