Can you think of a person who has encouraged you? Now think of someone who discouraged you. Here’s the big question. Which one most resembles you? In our final characteristic of CUTE GIRLS MADE, we see that God calls both males and females alike to be encouraging.
The Apostle Paul instructed: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Encouragement literally means that we breathe life into the hearts of those around us. Discouragement sucks the life out of those in our proximity.
Jesus Christ was our model of an encourager. He was aware, a builder, and a comforter. Scripture records Jesus was acutely aware of the people He encountered. He locked eyes with them, asked questions that revealed their hearts, and He listened intently. As a result, His encouragement transformed them.
Jesus was known for building up others, so much so the people He built up into faith in Him, with the Spirit’s power, literally changed the world after His ascension. Paul was also the recipient of that investment, teaching we should do the same: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Solomon said: “The words of the godly encourage many” (Proverbs 10:21 NLT). Encouraging words build up. Discouraging words tear down.
Jesus comforted those He encountered by meeting their needs. He called the Holy Spirit the “Comforter” (John 14:26 KJV). Paul taught: “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows” (2 Corinthians 1:5). When we are aware of those around us, build them up, and comfort them by meeting their needs, we are not merely the ones encouraging others, rather it is the Spirit of Christ in us.
Applying God’s wisdom to your perspective can transform your life and your marriage. During the next two weeks, daily focus on one of the thirteen characteristics of Godly beauty in the acrostic CUTE GIRLS MADE: Confident, Unique, Temple of the Holy Spirit, Expression of God, Godly, Investing, Respectful, Loving, Submissive, Modest, Alive in Christ, Discerning, and Encouraging. Memorize each concept with its corresponding verse and apply it to your life. Keep a journal of the positive changes that you see, as God shapes you into who He designed you to be.
Episode 250: Cute Girls Made with Kelsey Kruse (Part 1) from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.