“Four Very Powerful Words to Say to someone: I BELIEVE IN YOU.”

“We can ask ourselves this question: Am I stuck on a playground or do I wish to fly high? Am I tied to a herd, blindly doing what everyone does, seeking only self-satisfaction, focused on myself, or do I look above to fly high? Don’t be scared, dare to have fabulous plans. I encourage you to not be afraid to dream, to have great ideals, to be builders of hope.” – Pope Francis

Scripture Text: (1 THES 5:1-6, 9-11)
Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,
you have no need for anything to be written to you.
For you yourselves know very well
that the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.
When people are saying, “Peace and security,”
then sudden disaster comes upon them,
like labor pains upon a pregnant woman,
and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,
for that day to overtake you like a thief.
For all of you are children of the light
and children of the day.
We are not of the night or of darkness.
Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,
but let us stay alert and sober.
For God did not destine us for wrath,
but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep
we may live together with him.
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up,
as indeed you do

Why is encouragement so powerful? First, it reminds us of how incredibly valuable—and valued—we are. We may have exceptional qualities or gifts that other people can see more clearly than we can. Remember, we are all created in the image of God. We all bear the marks of his fine craftsmanship.

Second, a simple word of encouragement can foster within us a sense of trust and a desire for unity, because to encourage, one person must come alongside another. And it is so much better to walk the path of holiness together! Finally, according to Scripture, encouragement can “impart grace” to the people who hear it (Ephesians 4:29). In other words, offering encouragement is one way we can actually partner with the Holy Spirit. This is why St. Paul urged the Thessalonians to keep building each other up. He knew how powerful it is!

Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement! Instead, try to become an encourager yourself. It may take a while to develop this gift. But you can start out by choosing to say at least one encouraging thing each day—especially to your spouse, a family member, or a close friend. Over time, it will become second nature, especially as you see the effects your words are having on everyone!

So be on the lookout for qualities in other people that reflect God’s attributes. Then when you see them expressing these qualities, point it out to them. At the least, most people will feel honored and maybe even surprised that someone noticed something exceptional about them! But sometimes your words can go much further than you expect, and they will minister God’s own presence!