One of the most important things we can do this side of heaven is to encourage another person. Encouragement is a game changer. An encouraging word spoken at just the right time can unleash the God’s best in another human being even as it utilizes God’s best in us.

As a part of our Spring Sermon Series on The God Factor, I shared a message this morning about “The Encouragement Factor” based on I Thessalonians 5:8-11.

Jamila Smith, our Pastoral Care Intern, read the preview of my sermon, then composed a poem about encouragement which I asked her to share following the scripture reading. Jamila’s poem not only prepared the table for today’s message; her inspiring words illuminated the sermon.

Here is the poem, shared with Jamila’s blessing…

Encouragement

By: Jamila Smith

Encouragement

In courage I meant

So often, we forget that it takes courage to encourage.

For in my weakness, I tear you down, but in courage, I will build you up.

In my weakness, my words taste sour, but in courage, they will be sweet like honey.

In my weakness, I hate, but in courage I love.

This is not as easy as you think.

It is easier to see your flaws than it is to see your strength.

It is easier to see what is wrong than it is to see what is right.

It is easier to leave than it is to stay and endure the night.

But friend…I will stay.

I will stay and tell you the beauty of your ways.

Affirm in you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Remind you that your mistakes do not compare to God’s grace.

To let you know that your voice matters.

That your character is strong despite the gossip and the chatter.

For you carry the imago Dei.

You are an awe-inspired mirror of God’s face.

You are not an accident but strategically placed.

Know who you are and whose you are as you run this race.

Encouragement

Encourage, this is what I mean.

This is what I intend.

Did you know your tongue is a pen?

It chooses to write life or death on the hearts of those who take it in.

So dear friend, may your pen write life.

And even in the darkest of deeds a person may commit,

Somewhere deep inside them is a spark of God’s light.