Can positive words of encouragement really make a difference? I think so. In fact, I don’t think I’d be writing this article right now without them. Let me explain.
Remember how awkward middle school is? Well, I was the definition of awkward. Seriously, people used to call me awkward Alli because of how shy I was (and the frizzy hair, braces, and glasses combo didn’t help matters). During those tough times, the support and encouragement I received made all the difference.
Words of Encouragement Changed My Life
But one day in English class, my favorite teacher at the time had us write poems to read aloud to the class. Naturally, I was petrified. But after I read mine, I’ll never forget the positive words of my teacher. She paused and said, “You have a gift.” Words have the power to shape our worlds because they inform the stories we tell ourselves. Recognizing and admiring the courage it takes to face challenges can uplift and inspire us. Those few words—said with such certainty and authority—shaped my life. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. I think words do that. Words have the power to shape our worlds because they inform the stories we tell ourselves. And those stories in our heads influence the way we act and the people we become. So, those words? They were game-changing for me. Why?
A Few Nice Words Make a Big Difference
To be told I was gifted at something—let alone something I really enjoyed—was truly transformative. And that’s why positive words of encouragement are so meaningful and can make someone feel proud of their achievements. It may seem insignificant—especially if it’s just a passing remark. But it’s often the seemingly insignificant things that make up what’s really important.
What might your positive words of encouragement do for someone else?
My teacher’s words encouraged me to become a writer, which I love. Now think about your life. Can you think of a time when someone encouraged you with positive words at the right time? What impact did it have on your life? Now, consider the impact of your words. What might your positive words of encouragement do for someone else?
In Scripture, we see just how much weight our words carry.
5 Bible Verses About the Power of Positive Words
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The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21 NLT
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And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Ephesians 4:29 TPT
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Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18 NLT
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Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 NLT
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In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:5-10 NLT
Words of Encouragement Build Confidence
Our words have the power to bring death or life to any situation. It is important to admire and acknowledge the personal qualities and achievements of others, especially during challenging times. With one sentence, we can either destroy someone’s confidence or remind them of their identity in Christ. We can either encourage them with life-giving words that will shape their story in a positive way—or we can discourage them with harmful words that damage them.
Overcoming Challenges with Encouragement
When we face obstacles and setbacks, it’s easy to feel discouraged and defeated. But with the right mindset and support, we can overcome even the toughest challenges. Encouragement can help us stay motivated, focused, and committed to our goals, even when the going gets tough.
One of the most important things to remember when facing challenges is that we are not alone. We have friends, family, and community who can offer support and encouragement. We also have our own resilience, which can help us navigate even the most difficult times. By tapping into these resources and focusing on the positive, we can overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
Encouragement can also help us reframe our mindset and approach challenges with a more positive and optimistic outlook. When we focus on the possibilities and opportunities, rather than the obstacles and setbacks, we can overcome even the toughest challenges! By doing so, we can build confidence, develop resilience, and achieve our goals.
Why Be Positive During Tough Times?
So what does the Bible tell us about how often to encourage people? It’s not just when you feel like it. It actually tells us to encourage one another daily (See 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and Hebrews 3:13).Pastor Craig Groeschel says it this way: “Every time you think something good about someone, share it! Never rob someone of the blessings of an unspoken treasure.”
That doesn’t mean you say compliments you don’t mean. But it does mean that we are on the lookout for ways we can genuinely encourage others around us. You’ll find what you look for. So if you choose to see the good in others you interact with, you’ll likely find something praiseworthy. So say it! Don’t allow insecurity in you to fuel insecurity in others by not encouraging them.
Positive words of encouragement matter more than we think. And giving positive words to others actually helps you start thinking of yourself more positively, too. When you look for the good in the world and in others, you start finding it. That helps you start staying positive and developing a more Christ-like attitude.
If you could bless someone’s entire day with one small act, wouldn’t you do it? You have that power every day simply with the words you say. So look for ways to sincerely compliment and encourage those around you, especially a friend who might need it. Make it a challenge for yourself to find one good thing in someone each day, and share it with them, because positive words of encouragement really can make a difference.