The Lasting Power of Encouragement

There are some words people say that stay with us for years.

Not because they were long or eloquent. Not because they were dramatic. But because they were timely, sincere, and kind.

I still remember how my elementary school principal, Mr. McLeod, would often say, “Encourage!” when I would see him in the hallway. It was such a simple thing, but it left an impression on me. Years later, I still remember it. That small, repeated reminder carried more weight than he may ever have realized.

That is the thing about encouragement: it often seems small in the moment, but its impact can last far longer than we expect.

Scripture tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” This is part of how believers are meant to live. We are called to help strengthen one another, not tear each other down. We are called to use our words to build, not crush. We should leave people more aware of God’s grace, and strengthen believers in their faith.

Our words can wound or restore

Words matter. Most of us know how easy it is to be careless with what we say. A quick comment, a harsh tone, a sarcastic response, or even silence when encouragement is needed can leave a mark. Sometimes we do not mean to hurt anyone, but our words still do damage. Other times, we underestimate how much someone is carrying and speak without gentleness.

The Bible does not treat words lightly.

Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) says, "The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences." That is a sobering reminder. Our words can deeply injure, discourage, and burden others. But they can also comfort, steady, and strengthen. They can point someone toward hope. They can remind someone that they are seen. They can help a weary person keep going.

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) says, “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Careless words cut. Wise words heal. Every day, in ordinary conversations, we are given opportunities to do one or the other.

This should make us slow down. It should make us more prayerful. It should make us more aware that our words matter more than we think.

Encouragement is not shallow positivity

Biblical encouragement is not pretending everything is fine. It is not flattery. It is not avoiding hard truths. Real encouragement is grounded in truth and given in love.

Sometimes encouragement looks like reminding someone that God has not left them.

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” When someone is anxious, exhausted, or discouraged, reminding them of who God is can steady their heart.

Sometimes encouragement looks like helping someone remember that their labor is not wasted.

Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” People often need to hear that. Faithfulness can feel quiet. Obedience can feel unseen. Doing the next right thing can feel exhausting. Encouragement reminds others that God sees what they cannot yet see.

Sometimes encouragement looks like pointing people back to the comfort God gives.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) says, “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." We are meant not only to receive His comfort, but also to pass it on. One of the ways we do that is through our words.

The world has enough discouragement

It does not take much to notice that many people are already carrying heavy things. Some are fighting private battles. Some are weary in their faith. Some are grieving. Some are overwhelmed by responsibilities they have not spoken about out loud. Some are smiling in public while feeling deeply burdened in private.

That is one reason encouragement matters so much. You may not know what someone is walking through, but a kind word can still be used by God to strengthen them.

A text message that says, “I prayed for you today.”

A reminder that says, “God sees you.”

A quiet moment of kindness.

A word of appreciation.

A verse shared at the right time.

A gentle expression of care.

These things can seem small, but they are not small to the person receiving them.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) says: “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.” The King James Version says, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." The phrase, minister grace unto the hearers, is a beautiful concept - what if we saw our words that way? What if we viewed our speech as an opportunity to extend grace?

Not every conversation has to be profound. Not every encouraging word has to be lengthy. Sometimes grace sounds very simple:

“I am thankful for you.”

“Keep going.”

“I know this is hard.”

“The Lord is with you.”

“You are not alone.”

Encouragement begins with remembering what we have received

It is easier to encourage others when we are regularly remembering the way God has dealt with us.

God has been patient with us. God has spoken truth to us. God has comforted us. God has corrected us without abandoning us. God has shown mercy again and again.

When we remember that, it should soften the way we speak to others.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV) says, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." We should speak with kindness and use words that are constructive and reflect God's love, rather than speak destructively.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) tells us, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” That requires intention. Encouragement usually does not happen by accident.

A simple reminder that can stay with someone

I think that is why I still remember Mr. McLeod’s cheerful “Encourage!” in the hallway. It was short. Simple. Repeated. But meaningful. It planted something lasting.

We may never know which words people will carry with them for years. But that should make us more careful, not less. It should encourage us to use our words well.

One sentence can stay with someone. One act of kindness can lift someone. One reminder of God’s truth can help reframe a hard day. One moment of encouragement can become something a person remembers long after we forget saying it.

That is a gift. And it is also a responsibility.

Let’s be people who build up

In a world full of criticism, impatience, and careless speech, Christians should sound different. Not artificial. Not performative. Not shallow. But gracious. Thoughtful. Truthful. Steady.

Let’s be people who build up. Let’s be people who speak with care. Let’s be people who remember how much words can hurt, and choose instead to use them to help, heal, and strengthen. Let’s be people who point others back to Christ when they are weary. Let’s be people who encourage one another. Because you truly never know what someone is carrying.

You may never fully know the impact your encouragement has. But God does.

And sometimes the words that seem smallest to us become the ones someone remembers most.