During the weekend message, we were reminded that one of the things that the children in our lives need from us, along with our time, is encouragement. Indeed, everyone in this world today is inundated with so much communication and messaging about ourselves. What each one of us needs to hear is the encouragement of our loved ones, reminding us that we are loved by God and valuable to Him. This is particularly true of the children God has placed in our lives. They need our encouragement, reminding them of their value in Christ. When we encourage those around us, especially our children, we honor God by the way we speak to the people He has placed in our lives.
The apostle Paul calls us to be people who encourage one another in Ephesians 4. He explains in this passage of Scripture that because we follow Christ, we are to live differently than the rest of the world. One of the ways we are to live differently is by the way we speak. “Don’t use foul or abusive language,” Paul writes (verse 29). Instead, he continues, "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them" (verse 29). Instead of speaking harsh, unkind, and critical words, we are to speak words of encouragement. Words of encouragement are helpful and good. They build others up instead of tearing them down. When we speak these kinds of words, Paul teaches that we are an encouragement to the people around us.
At the top of our list of who to encourage should be the children God has placed in our lives. They are likely receiving false negative information from the world about who they are, and they need a reminder that they are loved and perfectly created by God. They need to hear from us often how God has specifically and specially gifted them. They need to know that they are important to God and to you. These kinds of words will undoubtedly build up our children so that they can remain strong and confident in the God who created them and who He created them to be. Let's make a habit of speaking encouraging words everywhere we go, especially to the children God has placed in our lives.
How can you encourage the children in your life today? Maybe you need to have a conversation about how God has specially and uniquely gifted them. Perhaps you can encourage them by telling them how much you and God love them. Maybe you need to remind them that their worth does not come from anything they can say or do, but from the God who perfectly and uniquely created them. Whatever it looks like for you, commit to encouraging the children God has placed in your life today.
17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 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.
30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
