Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to tell a hurting friend how wonderful they are? When someone is projecting vulnerability, it seems natural to pour out our hearts and assure them that they are wonderful and loved, complement their best features and give them a giant hug…but what about those who either aren’t as open with their hurts or who simply don’t have trusted friends to turn to? Some might not know Christ either and have nowhere to turn.
Our eyes were not made to judge the human heart – as much as we may try – we have no way of knowing another person’s honest feelings unless they express them to us. We may have a friend with a giant hole in their heart and never know it because of their perfected outward demeanor. They may have been treated badly as a child or lost confidence in themselves along the journey of life…whatever the source pain is, we have no clue it even exists and would probably be astounded that such a person felt so deeply hurt on the inside.
The next time you see something wonderful in someone, be sure to say it out loud. You never know how much that message might mean to that person.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Filed under: Acts of Kindness, Life Organized
