Call Out the Good

Think about a mentor, a coach or an older teammate who took you aside to speak words of truth and encouragement. What happened when they spoke life over you and saw your potential, encouraging you to embrace what God has given you? How did that make you feel? Chances are you’ve replayed that conversation in your mind, even years after it happened. 

Words matter. Maybe more than we know. 

Encouragement is one of the most life-giving necessities we can both give and receive. 

Where does deep and lasting encouragement come from? From the truth of God’s Word and who He says we are.

And how does someone truly experience the freedom and peace that comes from Jesus? They experience grace instead of condemnation.

No one felt this more acutely than a woman in Judea, who was brought to the temple to receive a sentencing for being caught in adultery. The Pharisees were waiting for a chance to trap Jesus, and this woman was a pawn in their game.

“At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them.Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. ‘Teacher,’they said to him, ‘this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.” (John 8:2-6)

What does Jesus do? He writes in the sand. We’re not sure of the words, but they made an impact. Then, He spoke, and each of the men backed away. One by one, the accusers left, until only Jesus and the woman remained.

As the woman lifted her eyes and met Jesus’ gaze, she found kindness instead of condemnation. Jesus told her the truth of her sin, but that He also sees deeper than her actions.

This woman experienced the personal attention, care and encouragement her heart longed for, perhaps for the first time. Jesus loved her, and it changed everything.

Who around you needs encouragement? Find ways to call out the good in others by using words. Want what’s best for them in Christ and look for ways to live it out. There’s greater purpose when we go together.