All the bubbles had been filled, the test completed. Eagerly I added my answers from each column to discover my spiritual gifts. Exhortation topped the list at #1. Exhortation? As in encouragement? Not that I was disappointed, exactly, but encouragement just seemed so basic. At the time, it felt more like a consolation prize than a spiritual gift.

Fast forward 15 years and my thoughts and understanding about this gift have grown, evolved. I now see the value and need for all of them, none more than any other. I wear the title of encourager more comfortably, and not because of a test taken, but because it just fits. I have been deep seeded with the belief that words hold power and I find joy in stringing them together in order to communicate thoughts and ideas.

Proverbs 18:21 warns, “death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words, our tongues, hold the power to speak either life or death over situations and circumstances, leaving behind either a wake of destruction or one of hope and joy.

Whether you consider yourself an encourager or not, encouragement is something that should be a daily practice for everyone. Although, admittedly, I once thought it basic, encouragement is more powerful that it may appear.

Encouragement is not mere niceties spoken or compliments given. It is not simply a friendly greeting or notice of one’s hair or outfit.

True encouragement is intentional. It finds meaning in that which is obvious on the surface, but it also delves deep into the grit and mess to extract the beauty and truth from every situation.

Leadership is perhaps one of the most powerful areas in which encouragement needs to be employed. Sure, there are times to cast vision and strategize and set goals, but genuine care and concern for people should be at the heart of every leader. Encouragement teaches us to pour into, build up and empower others. It builds trust, and in the tough decisions and discussions that every leader will inevitably face, encouragement communicates care while proving its strength, weight and significance.

Encouragement speaks truth.

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to speak truth in love to one another, explaining further in verse 16, to provide a means of edifying every member of the Body of Christ. Encouragement believes that everyone has a seat at the table.

Speaking truth in love can be easy when it merits a good job or congratulations for an accomplishment. But the real work of encouragement begins when the hard truths must be spoken in love. These are the moments that call for the correcting of a behavior or calling out of an inappropriate or harmful action.

Our natural tendency may be to avoid the confrontation and ignore the behaviors. Speaking truth in love, though, requires us to address these situations. Hemming these moments in prayer will not make the conversation easier, but it will position the heart toward compassion and love.

Encouragement feeds the soul, not the flesh.

Telling someone what they want to hear is easy, but true encouragement begs to go deeper. It is not content with remaining on the surface, encouragement is intentional in addressing the meaningful matters of the heart.

Often others do not believe in or even recognize their own gifts and talents. Encouragement speaks into these places, shining light onto that which might otherwise be hidden or go unused.

Encouragement’s job is not to make the flesh comfortable, it is meant to speak to the soul, lifting up and challenging others to step into their passions and to fulfill their destinies and glorify our heavenly Father.

Encouragement is offered from the overflow of the heart’s condition.

“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” Luke 6:45 NASB

Our words will often deceive the appearance we try to portray. For, it is what we are storing in our hearts that will eventually be revealed through our attitude, tone and speech. In order to encourage others in truth and love we must be filled with truth and love ourselves. In order to encourage others in their gifts and callings, we too must be aware of our own.

Encouragement requires giving and receiving, for we can only give from the overflow of what we have already received.

Encouragement is a gift, and one that should be given in abundance.

May we understand the power of our words.

May we be known for our lavish encouragement and willingness to build up and empower others.

May we be willing to give voice to the truth that is often left unspoken.