July 9, 2015 | The Power of an Encouraging Word

 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB)

 

Apples of gold

The worship service had just ended and I was talking with a friend when I noticed a young lady waiting patiently to speak with me. Knowing that waiting is a chore for third grade girls, I motioned for her to come on over. [Note: I am convinced that time moves at about 5x normal adult speed for them. Thus a 3 minute delay is for a child the equivalent of 15 minutes of agony.]

She hugged my waist and said, “I just wanted to say you did a great job teaching.” I hugged her back, commented on her cool new braces, and smiled as she skipped down the aisle. When I turned back to my friend, she exclaimed, “I may cry. That was precious.”

Such is the power wielded by all children of God when we encourage others. It is precious indeed.