Building Encouragement
 “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God …be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4.29-32  
Many years ago, I directed the children’s and youth choirs in a local church. One of my favorite songs was based on the above verses from the letter to the Church in Ephesus. Years later I encountered one of my choristers, now grown and on her own in the world. She reminded me of that particular song and shared how she still sings it and how much it impacted the way in which she lives her life. Wow. That was exactly what I had hoped would happen when we learned those songs! You see, singing engages both sides of our brains and therefore plants the words more enduringly in our memory! I was reminded of that conversation last Saturday evening, as I sat in my lawn chair next to a sweet 88-year-old lady (she was proud to volunteer her age!). We were listening to the “Akron Symphonic Winds” play some of the “old” songs from the early part of the 20th century and we sang along!
Over and over, the epistles speak of “building one another up”, with words that “give grace to those who hear”. This is a direct rebuke of bullyish behavior. You see, bullies give nasty or demeaning nicknames, insult others about how they look, their speech, their physical or mental challenges, and more, all so that the bully can feel superior Bible passages such as this one from Ephesians remind us that we are to do differently, to build up and not tear down.
Compliment a stranger on their shirt or dress, or their hairstyle, or their smile. Compliment a parent on their child or children. Sympathize with that parent struggling to calm a child. Be aware of ways that you may be helpful to others. I have been the recipient of such kindnesses and find my shoulders straighten and my smile comes out when I hear the kind words of others to me.
 To borrow a phrase, when you see something good, say something positive! In many cases, you may be the only good news they hear all day.
          Too many of have lost the way to give a non-threatening smile to an individual we see. Try it and see how often that smile comes back to you and the ways in which the individual's appearance or demeanor changes.
           It is lovely to tell or acknowledge someone such things face to face. While not often possible, a written note also has greater value than we might believe. I have been the recipient of written notes over the years. I would find myself re-reading them and feeling encouraged in times when I was sad, overwhelmed, or even doubted my place and contribution to this world.
Maybe you really liked the music someone shared. Perhaps it spoke to your heart and you feel grateful. Possibly someone provided nurture for your body or spirit. Maybe you saw someone aiding another person or warmly engaging another person in conversation at a meeting or your local church. Perhaps you see a congregation "member" actively engaging guest who comes to receive encouragement.
         Were you the recipient of someone's kindness and it changed your outlook or lifted your spirit? Did a child do something that gave you hope for the future or simply gave you a smile? Perhaps you see someone giving time and talent to one of the vital outreach activities in the life of the congregation. Big or small, our actions do truly matter. You may well find yourself lifted up, encouraged, and smiling as you attempt to do so for someone else.
          The best way to share the gospel is to BE Jesus for someone else. In that moment, you have demonstrated your belief that they are worthy of acknowledgement, respect, and love. Laugh with those who rejoice; sit with those who weep; feed those who are hungry; make a difference in the world, one Jesus action at a time.
 
“Do for others what you want others to do for you.” (translation, mine), says Jesus in Luke 6.31 and Matthew 7.12. Words to love by. Always.