As a young boy, riding a tractor that was humming along in the field, I often remember singing this song at the top of my voice:

Home, home on the range,

Where the deer and the antelope play,

Where seldom is heard

A discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all day.

 

We all know that in life, there are cloudy days, but there is an element of truth in that song. Why were the skies not cloudy? Partially because there was seldom heard a discouraging word. Words mean something. Our words make a difference in the lives of others.

 

God intends for us to be encouragers of others. A little smile, a kind word, a tap on the shoulder, a hug, a scripture verse—there are many ways in which we can be encouragers. It is so easy to be critical and just point out the things that are wrong. Many wonderful Christians have a veneer of criticism about them that overshadows the love of Christ.

 

There is a place for criticism, but is must be done in a way that encourages. Proverbs tells us, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” True friends tell you about the chocolate icing on your chin before you go out and speak in front of an audience—but they do it for your profit. We are reminded in Galatians, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself lest thou also be tempted.”

 

Let us encourage others, as Barnabas, the “son of consolation.” When no one else would accept the Apostle Paul in Jerusalem, it was Barnabas who brought Paul to the other apostles. When John Mark did not finish the course of the first missionary journey, it was Barnabas who travelled with him in further missionary service. The impact of his encouragement must have been great, for Paul later says of John Mark that he is profitable for me.

 

God gives each of us opportunities to encourage others to grow in the faith, and indeed, it is our responsibility. Next time you are tempted to give out a discouraging word, whether to your child, a member of your Sunday school class, a student, or an adult, think twice. Give them an encouraging word. You could make a difference in someone’s life for a day—or for eternity!