We’ve been talking about getting the mix right as followers of Jesus. We’ve already explored treating others the way we’d like to be treated, loving people, accepting others, and serving like Jesus. Today we’re adding another important ingredient to the mix: inspiring others. Most of us can point to someone who spoke into our lives at just the right moment. Their encouragement helped us see God’s direction, strengthened our faith, and gave us the courage to keep moving forward. We all need that kind of inspiration at different seasons of life, especially when we’re facing challenges, disappointments, or uncertainty.

When you read Scripture, you quickly discover that Jesus was a master encourager. No matter who crossed His path, He challenged them, valued them, and helped them become more of who God created them to be. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds.” To inspire is to breathe life into someone. Like a hot air balloon rises when warm air fills it, people rise when they are filled with hope, courage, and encouragement. One of the most powerful ways to inspire others is to let them know they matter. When people know they are loved, valued, and uniquely created by God, they begin to grow, flourish, and see themselves differently.

You can also inspire others by cheering them on. Sometimes the words most needed are simple: “You can do this.” “Keep going.” “I’m praying for you.” “With God all things are possible.” Encouragement doesn’t require special talent or a lot of time. It simply requires paying attention to the people around you and responding when God prompts you. A timely text, a conversation, a Scripture, or a word of support can breathe life into someone who is weary, discouraged, or ready to give up. The smallest act of encouragement can have a great impact.

There are also times when people need to hear, “Don’t quit.” Some are ready to walk away from a marriage, give up on a dream, abandon their faith, or surrender to discouragement. They need to be reminded that with God’s strength they can move forward. Others are trapped by guilt, shame, mistakes, or failures from the past. God doesn’t want you to remain stuck. He has plans to give you hope and a future. Like the apostle Paul, you can learn from the past without living in it. God’s grace allows you to move forward, grow stronger, and continue pursuing the purpose He has for your life.

At the heart of encouragement is a simple message: “I believe in you.” Jesus saw potential in people long before they saw it in themselves. He called Simon “Peter,” the rock, before Peter became the leader God intended him to be. In the same way, God calls us to bring out the best in one another, to fill people with hope, and to remind them of God’s promises. When you become someone who breathes life into others, you get to watch them rise. 

Scriptures— Hebrews 10:24 (Voice); Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV); Luke 22:14-15 (NIV); Isaiah 40:30-31 (NRSV); Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Verses— Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, (Voice) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Je 29:11)

Questions— Who has been a source of encouragement to you? How did they inspire you to move forward? What are some practical ways you can “breathe life” into the people around you? Which encouraging phrase do you most need to hear right now: “You matter,” “You can do this,” “Don’t quit,” “Let it go and move on,” or “I believe in you”? Why?

Prayer— Heavenly Father, thank You for the people who have encouraged me and breathed life into my faith. Help me see those around me who need hope, strength, and support. Use my words and actions to inspire others, point them to You, and remind them of their God-given value. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.