VERBAL SUNSHINE

This quote from social media caught my eye:

“Encouragement is like verbal sunshine. It costs nothing and warms people’s hearts.”  ~ Nicky Gumbel

 

Upon researching the quote more, I saw this expanded version of it. Let’s delve deeper into its meaning and how we can apply it to our lives.

 

 

 

What is encouragement?

If we look at the word ‘encouragement,’ we see the root word is ‘courage,’ which in Latin is ‘cor,’ and is the word heart. I find that significant.

A  Google definition from Oxford Languages defines encouragement as: “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”

Putting all that together, I see encouragement as us giving a part of our heart to another as we act to give support, confidence, or hope to someone. We share a little piece of our heart with someone when we offer encouragement.

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  –1 Thessalonians 5:8-11  (NIV)

We are children of the day meaning of the light, which is Jesus. He is the light that came into this world showing us the way to faith, love, and hope. Jesus died for you and me so we may live forever, in this world and heaven, in unity with Him. We get to walk hand-in-hand with each other sharing this good news and encouraging one another on this spiritual journey. It is an honor to share our hearts with each other, our hearts full of love and God’s goodness supporting, helping others be confident in their journey, and bringing hope to others. Our lives are overflowing with this so we can be generous in offering encouragement to all.

 

Photo courtesy of Chronic Joy® under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)

 

What is verbal sunshine, which is a term I have never heard before?

Do you, like me, love to be outside when the brightness and warmth of the sunshine beats down on us as it fills our spirits and hearts with God’s presence? The sunshine fills our hearts and we then shine it into the lives of others.

Verbal sunshine is the way we can use our words, whether a verbal conversation, an email, or even a text, to shine that brightness and warmth into the lives of others.

The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  –Proverbs 16:23-24  (NIV)

Wise people have hearts that are right with God, which leads to them speaking wisely too. They think before they speak, knowing that our words can build others up or tear them down. It is much better to use our words to edify others in order to keep building the kingdom of God. Words that build others up are sweet as honey to taste both to those offering the words and those receiving them. This sweetness reaches the depths of our soul and brings healing to our body, mind, and spirit.

 

 

What are some benefits of verbal sunshine?

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  (NIV)

The greatest benefit of sharing verbal sunshine with others is that it builds them up providing what they need when they need it. When we spread verbal sunshine it warms the heart of the listener and enriches their life. Isn’t it usually easier to tear others down or find fault with something they are doing? If we try to think before we speak and communicate more verbal sunshine, our hearts will be warmed and enriched even more. Verbal sunshine is free to shine into the lives of all we encounter. 

 

What are some concrete ways to share verbal sunshine with someone?

…Share a sincere compliment about their character.

…Tell them how they have impacted your spiritual journey.

…Listen with your heart and ears.

…Let people know when you are praying for them.

…Tell someone you believe in them.

…Share the goodness that you see in them.

 

REFLECTION:

What kind of verbal sunshine have you received recently?
Who is someone you can bless with verbal sunshine this week?

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…be generous with encouraging others.

…share little pieces of your heart full of love.

…seek ways to spread verbal sunshine everywhere you go.

 

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  –Philippians 1:3-7  (NIV)