Have you ever felt the weight of criticism overshadowing your efforts?
Hey Salt & Light Friends,
I shared this story in Substack Notes this week gained some traction, and I wanted to take time to share a message about the importance of ‘encouraging’ others versus ‘tearing them down’ or criticizing them.
A Break from Our Regular Devotional Posts
This week I am taking a break from our usual weekly devotional in the Book of Luke but we have some exciting guest posts lined up featuring content creators like Trip Kimball, Obosa Imade, Chuck Phillips, Andrea Brown, Brian Causer, Lydia Pinontoan.
Become a Guest Writer!
Are you passionate about encouraging others and have a story to share? If you’d like to be a guest writer in a future post, please contact me directly. I am glad to collaborate and showcase your voice in The Salt & Light Substack Community. You either do a post in our Luke Devotional Series or as a Subscriber Spotlight Feature.
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Encouraging versus tearing down or criticizing others
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” - 1st Thessalonians 5:11
Do you know you can actually see the number of views on a note in Substack? Just pull up the note and click the three dots in the top right corner to reveal statistics. This note I posted had over 700 views in three days, so perhaps it resonated with some people?
A Personal Experience with Criticism
In high school, I poured my heart and soul into a history term paper. I spent countless hours and days researching, crafting, and refining my work. After completing it, I eagerly shared my efforts with a family member, only to face harsh criticism. It stung. I had worked so hard, and the feedback felt like a personal attack. At times I am reluctant even still to share my written work with others from that circumstance.
That experience is why I’m passionate about encouraging other people. No one is perfect; we all stumble and make mistakes.
But when you see someone striving to do their best, why not offer a word of encouragement instead of criticism?
George Verwer, founder of OM, a mission organization wisely said, "Anyone can tear down, but it takes an architect to build."
Some people are quick to point out faults, while others focus on uplifting those around them. If you find yourself looking for flaws in others, don't forget to take a moment to reflect on your own.
And be reminded:
A Call to Action
Can you share how a time when an encouraging word just lifted your spirits? Who was the comment from and how did it impact you?
Share a bible verse in the comments that has often encouraged you.
Thanks for taking time to read and listen this week. I hope to return soon with the regular Book of Luke Series, we are currently wrapping up Chapter 8.
As I prepare emailed posts, I would appreciate your feedback, so please take a moment to share your thoughts.
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Let’s Be Encouragers!
Who can you uplift today? Comment or message our channel if we can send a word or prayer your way to uplift. You can email me at: thesaltandlighdaily@gmail.com
References / Resources:
The Greek Word for Encourage is Parakaleo (par-ak-al-eh'-o), which means to call to one’s side. The word is repeated one-hundred (x110) in the NAS translation of the bible. The word is translated into English as appeal, comforted, encourage, exhort, implored, & urge. The word Parakaleo is repeated most in the Book of Acts (x22).
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