Elections are looming. The ads for candidates fill every
media platform. Wait! Did I say “for” candidates? Most of the ads I have seen taut
why we should vote “against” this or that person instead of “for”! Rather than
hearing what a candidate stands for, most of the political commercials concentrate
on bashing the opposition.
The picture painted of competitors seems askew. Statements appear to be taken out of context or digitally spliced together. How much of it is hearsay and how much is truth? Criticism runs rampant and praise is nearly nonexistent.
That tendency isn’t limited to politics. We all find it easier to find fault with a person or a situation than it is to say, “You are doing so good!” or “What a great thing is happening there!”
Yet, we all need encouragement. It helps us to keep on keeping on and is important for our spiritual and mental health.
Encouragement is like a boomerang—what we give often comes back to us. We all know what it can feel like to take on something—whether it’s a responsibility at church, a new role in ministry, or simply trying to make small changes in our Christian walk with Jesus—and wonder, “Am I doing a good job?” “Can anyone see improvement?” We need positive feedback, not complaints and criticism.
Over 100 verses in the Bible tell us in some way to reassure and hearten one another. We are urged to build each other up (Hebrews 10:24-25), to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), to uplift one another daily so that we don’t become hardened by sin (Hebrews 3:13). Imagine how much stronger individuals, teams, and whole congregations could be if we talked up each other and rejoiced in other’s accomplishments!
Let’s not follow the example of the political candidates scurrying for office by defaming their counterparts. May the boomerang of encouragement fly from your lips today, and in return, you will…
Be encouraged!
