They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. (Luke 4:32 NIV)
There are so many times when silence is golden. We can often and at inopportune times put our foot in our mouths and even do so at the detriment of the sharing of the Gospel message. However, fear of verbal misstep can no longer seal our lips. This week we’ve been discussing certain times when SPEAKING BOLDLY is a must. Today lets talk on the topic – Lift ’em Up.
Your ultimate calling, if you are a believer, is a call to love. If you’ve ever read the Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman then you know that one way many receive love is through words of affirmation. Essentially someone’s kind, encouraging, prophetic, and celebratory words can really be the difference in whether or not and to what extent we feel loved. Our identity should never rest in those uplifting words but God often uses them to spur us onward and help motivate us for the next journey he’d have us to travel. I know this to be especially true, because I am one of those who values those encouraging words. [Love blog comments :)]
If this is not a way you receive love you might be inclined to dismiss its importance. So don’t just take it from me. As always, we should look to Jesus. Our perfect example has shown us the need to correct and call out as necessary. He has demonstrated how huge challenging others to a new level is. Now he shows us how to praise others on a job well done and positively reinforce them to continue to succeed.
Jesus celebrates John the Baptist.
“Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Matthew 11:11 NIV
Jesus points out that John is more than a prophet and that in Him is true greatness.
Jesus praises the Widow.
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:41-44 NIV
Jesus sees her heart and her poverty and points her out boldly in front of the others. Not because he had to but because in doing so he would not only uplift her but encourage others to do as she had done.
Jesus encourages Peter.
“Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. ”
Matthew 16:18 NLT
Jesus calls out of Simon, the one who would deny him, greatness. He prophecies and projects the character that He sees deep in him when he refers to him as a rock.
You, like Jesus, have someone, maybe many someone’s who you influence. They could be people on your team at work, members of your family, classmates, friends, or maybe even Twitter followers. Imagine the impact that you can have on them with your decision to speak boldly into their life. Not only will you lift them up, but if you encourage and praise them publicly as we see Jesus do often, you can lift others up as well.
As I wrap up this post series, I wonder if you’ve decided in which are you need to amp up your bold speech. Calling ’em out with correction, pushing ’em forward through challenge, or lifting ’em up with praise, all together work toward modeling the heart and actions of our loving God toward his people. Improving in each of these will go along way to partnering with the Holy Spirit’s work on shaping our heart into the heart of God.
Which area do you feel the most prepared to speak boldly?
Which area do you feel you need to really make strides in bold speech?
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