Be An Encourager: Compliments Verses Flattery

We all need encouragement. There is a melodious sound even in the word. It strengthens our souls. It breathes life into our weary bodies, charming away the spirit of melancholy and despair. We all know the distinction between being encouraged and flattered, Amen? It is the difference in our hearts between being tenderly touched and pridefully puffed when leaving an encounter. Encouragement reaches down into the very heart, enriching the soul and strengthening the weary saint, changing their countenance before our very eyes. It really is quite amazing. The affirmation can quickly and completely transform the perspective of the encouraged. Encouragement is a gift to the receiver unlike fluffy flattery which is often not spoken with the right intention. Encouragement strengthens the soul propelling the hearer forward to walk in the God ordained plans He has set out for them. 

Never be mistaken, there is great power in our words.  Just watch the expression of your hearers – we can speak life or death – intentionally or not. We must pay attention to what we say as we can invigorate and encourage or we can hinder and harm. People cannot get enough praise and sadly, criticism is rampant, Amen? We all seem to be wanting in that area. We hear so much negative criticism and so little positive it is no wonder we see so many aimlessly wandering around in a trackless waste when some encouraging word could change their trajectory and make an incredible difference leaving them with a blessing instead.  Encourage freely, encourage extensively leaving the aroma of Christ rather than the stench of death in all your encounters.