The wisest man that ever lived wrote: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24, NLT). He also made it clear: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21, NASB). King Solomon validates through contrasting principles the way to be wise. He warns of carelessly verbalizing our thoughts. The pleasant words, words of life, will be governed well. Our words of life have the power to bring encouragement to an individual, lifting their spirit and even promoting health.

The great “minister of encouragement” Barnabas, our beloved brother from the book of Acts, was a vibrant rainbow in countless ways for various people problems and their storms.

The Apostle Paul wrote of Barnabas encouraging others to remain dedicated to the Lord (Acts 11:23). In another Pauline book, Paul instructs believers to encourage one another as we wait for “the trumpet of God” when we will be raptured to glory (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

The priestly book of Hebrews commands: “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (3:13, NASB). And “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (10:25, NASB).

Obviously, we are “seeing the day drawing near” therefore, what better work to be found doing when the trumpet sounds than encouraging a follower of Christ to remain dedicated to the Lord.  

On my blog for the month of March, I’m continuing to encourage you to be an encouragement to someone who might be experiencing stormy conditions and need the hope of a rainbow. Even if you find yourself home alone without someone to encourage, send out a text of encouragement, or a phone call, or write a letter.

In my post, “Despite Failures,” I express a desire to be a flickering light of encouragement to my nephew (who has spent the last 2 ½ years in a Parrish jail in Louisiana) with whom I had the privilege of visiting last month (see my post “Trials of Consequence.”) Since distance prevents regular visits, I write him letters. Persistence and determination are often required for finding ways to encourage others.

Exercise your capacity to be an encourager by just walking into the grocery store, standing in line at the checkout, driving your car, or flashing a smile; and as your encouraging muscles grow, branch out to visit an elderly person, help a neighbor, clean, or bake for a sick friend. The list is endless.