There is something special about encouragement. Whether one gives encouragement or receives it, encouragements brighten even the darkest day. Genuine encouragement is underrated in today’s society. Often, flippant comments are used in everyday language. However, without intention behind encouragement, it can be shallow.
The best leaders are known to be encouragers. They can see the best in people and bring it out of them to enhance it. Encouragement creates confidence, growth and merit to a person.
College students have a unique ability to encourage their peers. There are so many young people suffering from various mental health disorders. U.S. News reports that 1 in 3 college freshman students suffer from anxiety or depression. It is easy to see how a kind word could make a world of difference for a doubting student—it should be highlighted and motivated on Biola’s campus.
LEADERS ENCOURAGE
Inspirational leadership is anchored in encouragement. Being able to identify and emphasize the best parts of people is one of the most important ways for them to grow. Forbes highlights six attributes for leadership: they maintain calmness, they are genuine, they listen, they are resilient, they show integrity and they establish talent.
One of my best bosses was phenomenal at encouraging his team. He was able to identify our strengths and weaknesses. He called out our flaws and pushed us to strive for better. He never failed to find some way to encourage us and inspire further growth and confidence.
CHRISTIANS ENCOURAGE
The Bible is full of examples that cultivate encouragement. Paul constantly tells Timothy to remain steadfast in his pursuit of spreading the gospel, Barnabas always encourages fellow believers, and Aaron was faithful by Moses’ side when he held the staff for hours.
There are many passages in the Bible that highlight the importance of encouraging each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
College students should add encouragement to their daily vocabulary. Spreading light and inspiration in people’s lives can be a world of difference for them. Biola, go and “encourage one another and build each other up,” as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells believers to do.
