This week I was reminded of a reality I’d forgotten… The simple power of giving courage.

Too often I find myself praising others (Great job! You’re so pretty! Well done!) and forget that at its core, encouragement is actually about instilling courage into someone’s heart and intentionally driving out their fear.

Encourage:
v. early 15c., from Old French encoragier “make strong, hearten,”
from en- “make, put in” + corage “courage, heart”

Is my encouragement pouring in courage? Is it driving out fear? Am I simply praising (stating a fact, making a comment) or am I adding something new?

Fear weakens. Courage strengthens. Listen closely, are my words leaving people the same, or perhaps.. weaker?

My challenge for this week, which I extend to you… let’s intentionally use our words to chase fear out of someone’s heart. In its place, let’s pour in courage and watch the difference it makes.