Encouraging Words Give A Blessing

Encouraging Words Give a Blessing

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Billy Graham said that his mother was one of his greatest encouragers. She always told him to “preach the gospel and keep it simple.” Two weeks before she went to heaven, she admonished Billy with these same words, and he responded, “Mother, I’m going to preach his birth, death, and resurrection. I’ll preach it till Jesus comes.”

His mother squeezed his hand and said, “I believe it!”

Having a mother who believed in him, blessed him, and encouraged him meant the world to this man whose life has influenced millions, including presidents and leaders of other nations. What a treasure it is for parents to believe in their children and to bless them as Mrs. Graham did, with words that inspired hope and communicated love. But to do this, we must see with the heart the potential that lies within rather than just the outward appearance of sports success, high grades, or strong improvement. As the fox said in The Little Prince, “Here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. . . . Men have forgotten this truth. But you must not forget it.”

May we see with the heart, and if we are lacking in this ability, let us ask God for his eyesight to see those we live and work with and teach day by day. Then we can bless them with our words instead of discourage them. May we become, like Billy Graham’s mother, their greatest encouragers. —CHERI

Lord, let everything I say be helpful and good. May I see children, coworkers, and loved ones with your eyes, love them with your love, and bless them with words of encouragement and life.

If you want to keep your kids out of prison, bless them. The blessing always involves a hug and a kiss. Not the kiss of abuse but of blessing. There’s a vast difference! “I love you, I bless you, I think you’re terrific, and I’m so glad you’re mine.” It’s got to be said out loud. It’s got to be stated. The blessing is unconditional and it’s continuous in order to be a real blessing—in order to be real love.

—BILL GLASS, MINISTER AND FORMER NFL DEFENSIVE TACKLE