Acts 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.

I was reading a book recently which encourages its readers to dream big dreams and tackle challenges head on, trusting God for the things which seem impossible. In this process one of the things the writer suggests is to look back at your past and try to identify encounters or events which spurred you to move forward with ideas, projects, careers, etc. Invariably in his own life he was able to hone in on words of encouragement which someone said or acts of kindness which kept him motivated. Those were building blocks for his success.

I paused briefly for my own retrospective and was amazed at the people, other than my parents, who made it to the top of my list of encouragers. They were kind in the things they said and did, sometimes in simple but unforgettable ways. I remember them fondly. But on the way down memory lane the odd “terror” to my childhood also surfaced. That reminds me that each of us have a sphere of influence even though we do not always recognize it, and that our words and actions communicate either negative or positive messages. So we need to check ourselves often, especially when dealing with children. Young children in particular see adults as either mean, or good or kind and they do remember. It is also from adults that they learn to be spiteful or forgiving.

Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12 include a long list of positive behaviors which we can all cultivate: sincere love for one another, honor or respect for each other, being excited about serving the Lord, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, generous and hospitable, showing empathy for those who grieve, and so on. Practicing these behaviors will enable us to become encouragers. It matters greatly.