There’s a sacred urgency tucked inside two simple words: Tell them.
Not after they’re gone. Not when you get around to it. Not when it’s convenient or polished or socially safe. Tell them now.
Tell the teacher who stayed late to explain something until it clicked.
Tell the friend who called when you were on the edge.
Tell the pastor who prayed over your wandering soul.
Tell the coworker who always shows up with integrity.
Tell the parent who gave when it cost everything.
Tell the child who reminded you how to laugh.
Tell the stranger who smiled when you were falling apart.
If someone made a difference in your life—tell them.
1. Why We Wait—and Why We Shouldn’t
It’s easy to assume people know how we feel. That our gratitude is implied. That our silence is understood. But the truth is, silence rarely communicates love. People carry burdens they never speak of and wounds they’ve never told you about. A word of encouragement could be the very thing that steadies someone who’s barely hanging on.
So why do we wait?
- We assume there’s time.
- We don’t want to sound overly sentimental.
- We figure someone else will say it.
- We think our words won’t matter.
- We get busy.
But the clock is ticking. And one day, whether by distance, disagreement, or death, the opportunity to say it will be gone.
In James 4:14, we’re reminded, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring… You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Life is fragile. Opportunities pass quickly.
So tell them. Today.
2. Encouragement Is a Calling
Encouragement is not just a personality trait—it’s a Christian mandate.
Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 adds, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Encouragement is spiritual warfare. It softens hearts. It strengthens weary souls. It builds bridges. It drives back the darkness that isolates, accuses, and wears people down.
God has made you a carrier of hope—and the delivery mechanism is your words.
When you thank someone, affirm them, or express love, you are partnering with the Holy Spirit to minister to a human soul.
3. Everyone Is Fighting a Battle
There’s a famous quote attributed to Plato, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Whether he said it or not, the truth stands.
Behind every smile is a story. Behind every stoic face is a secret war.
- That cheerful friend may be battling depression.
- That strong leader may be grieving in silence.
- That reliable coworker may feel invisible at home.
- That encouraging believer may wonder if they’re making any difference.
Don’t assume people feel appreciated. Tell them.
Don’t assume they know you’re proud. Tell them.
Don’t assume they know they mattered. Tell them.
Your words could be the lifeline someone never told you they needed.
4. Affirmation Isn’t Flattery—It’s Fuel
We sometimes confuse encouragement with flattery, as if speaking kind words is shallow or manipulative. But biblical encouragement isn’t fake praise—it’s truth spoken in love.
Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Affirmation doesn’t puff up. It builds up.
Flattery feeds the ego. Encouragement feeds the spirit.
When you speak life into someone, you remind them of their God-given identity, purpose, and value. You echo what the Father says over them.
So don’t just think it. Don’t just write it in your head.
Say it. Text it. Call it out. Send the note. Speak the truth in love.
You might just be the voice that keeps someone moving forward in obedience when they were ready to quit.
5. Jesus Modeled It
Jesus didn’t just heal bodies—He spoke to hearts.
- To the woman with the alabaster jar: “She has done a beautiful thing to Me.” (Mark 14:6)
- To the widow giving her last coin: “She put in more than all the others.” (Luke 21:3)
- To Nathanael: “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” (John 1:47)
Jesus noticed. Jesus affirmed. Jesus told them.
He spoke life over people in public and in private. He honored the overlooked and affirmed the faithful. He understood the power of timely, specific, Spirit-led encouragement.
If we are to follow in His steps, we must become people who speak life.
6. Say It Before the Funeral
Too many beautiful words are spoken over caskets that were never spoken to the living. We give glowing eulogies when we should have given heartful gratitude while there was still breath to receive it.
Let’s not wait for death to tell the truth.
Say it now.
Say it awkwardly, if you must. Say it clumsily. But say it.
Write the letter. Make the call. Stop and speak the words you feel in your heart but don’t know how to phrase.
If they meant something to you, tell them.
7. Start Small—But Start Today
If this all feels overwhelming, just start with one name. Ask the Lord:
“Who needs encouragement from me today?”
It might be someone obvious. Or someone you haven’t thought of in a while. Obey the prompting. Reach out. You never know how timely your words will be.
Encouragement doesn’t need to be long or profound. It can be simple:
- “Thank you for showing me kindness when I needed it.”
- “Your consistency matters. I see it. I admire it.”
- “I wouldn’t be who I am without the way you loved me.”
- “Your example made me want to know God more.”
Sometimes, just knowing they mattered is enough to keep someone going.
8. You’ll Be Blessed Too
Here’s the beautiful part: when you encourage others, you’re lifted too.
Proverbs 11:25 says, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Encouragement is contagious. It changes the air. It lightens the atmosphere of relationships. It breaks the ice between generations, reconciles long-standing tensions, and strengthens the bonds of the Body.
Encouragement multiplies. It keeps circling back.
And in a world saturated with criticism, comparison, and competition, your words can become holy ground.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Life Speak
So many people never hear the difference they made. Don’t let that happen on your watch. Be the one who tells them.
- Tell the friend who showed up.
- Tell the mentor who spoke truth.
- Tell the spouse who’s been faithful.
- Tell the volunteer who serves unnoticed.
- Tell the leader who stood strong.
- Tell the child who makes your heart come alive.
- Tell the sibling, the teacher, the neighbor, the parent.
Because life is short. People are fragile. And encouragement is holy.
Don’t wait.
Don’t assume.
Don’t delay.
Tell them.
Today.
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