How do leaders communicate their encouragement?

Matthew 3:16-17After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Matthew 17:5A voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.”

Wise leaders will communicate how they value those they lead through open affirmation and encouragement. The most vivid example of this is God’s affirmation of Jesus at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration.

2 Corinthians 13:11Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Words can foster or hinder encouragement. Leaders promote an atmosphere of encouragement by setting a verbal tone that communicates harmony and peace.

Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

Our encouragement of others is rooted in the wisdom we find in God’s Word.

2 Chronicles 30:22Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the Lord. The celebration continued for seven days. Peace offerings were sacrificed, and the people gave thanks to the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

We can build one another up by acknowledging another’s quality service to the Lord.

Job 29:24When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.

Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.

We can encourage one another simply with a joyful spirit.

2 Chronicles 32:8“He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.

Leaders encourage by reminding people what God can do, and wants to do, for and through them.

Acts 11:23When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.

Barnabas is known as a great encourager in the Bible; according to Acts, his name means “Son of Encouragement” (4:36). Barnabas’ encouragement of John Mark helped him become a great leader in the church. Encouragement is more than hollow praise; it is urging others to hold fast to the principles of faith.

Philippians 1:6I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Encouragement is affirming others and the work God is doing in them and through them.