I’ve added a new category to the site today called ‘Marriage and Relationships,’ which I’m really excited about. Relationships are obviously a very important part of our lives. They have such an influence on the quality of our lives, and also, on the way we relate to God. Relationship is very close to God’s heart too, and it would be great to look at why this is, and His beautiful intent for our marriages and families and friendships in some upcoming posts.

There is this beautiful verse in the Bible that says “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). When we come to God, He showers us in His love and affirmation as accepted (Ephesians 1:6), as beloved (Colossians 3:12), as the apple of His eye (Psalm 17:8), as worthy of His delight (Zephaniah 3:17), and in this verse, He asks us to similarly extend affirmation and encouragement to each other.

I have a dear friend at work who is very good at this. This friend seems to purposefully look out for something to encourage each one of the rest of us about. Just seemingly small things – like we did a good job on something we were working on maybe, or even that we are wearing a lovely colour that day! Little comments with big significance.

The significance is the effect that words of encouragement like these have. They foster, they bless, they motivate, they inspire, they embolden, they lift and they build. What a really wonderful thing that we can have that influence in each other’s lives. To be so constructive and to bring joy in that kind of way.

I love the idea of being purposeful about it too; of looking out especially to find something to encourage our spouse and friends about, and our work-mates and the cashier at the supermarket about.

If we’re looking for ways to foster our relationships and to reflect Jesus to those whose lives we touch, words of encouragement are one wonderful way.