“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
I once had lunch with a new friend who said something powerful: “I’ve listened to you teach, and I think you could be…” He then shared a vision of what he saw in me and it deeply encouraged me.
That short lunch left me feeling inspired and believed in. My friend had “spiritual eyes” to see what could be in me, not just what was obvious.
Later that day, someone else approached me and said, “You’re taller in person!” Then, “You’re not as funny off stage.” While friendly, those comments added nothing meaningful. They were surface-level and didn’t inspire growth.
The truth is, superficial words don’t build us—but deep, thoughtful affirmation does. We all have faults and insecurities. But when someone speaks to our potential, not just the present, it breathes life into us.
Jesus Modeled This
Jesus once looked at Simon and called him “Peter” (which means Rock). Simon was far from steady at the time, but Jesus saw who he could become—and told him so. That one name-change carried power, purpose, and transformation.
A Challenge for You Today
Think about someone in your life who needs encouragement. Go beyond small talk. Speak to their strengths. Paint a portrait of what they could be. Your words might be what helps them take their next step in faith or life.
Reflect & Apply
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When has someone believed in you? What impact did it have?
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Who in your life needs to hear words of potential and hope today?
Further Reading: Matthew 16:13–19, Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 3:13
