your words

LifeChurch.tv : swerve
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Your Words Can Change a Life
By Craig Groeschel on encouragement

As a senior pastor, youth pastor, or student pastor, God can often use your words in an extra special way. It is not that you are better than a non-pastor, but your words can carry more weight in a person’s mind. Like it or not, many people see you as a representative of God. You should “feel that weight” as you speak.

You can look someone in the eyes and tell them:

“I believe in you.” They may never have heard that from anyone else. Give them the gift of your faith.
“You are making a difference.” Many great people serve Christ and His church for years without ever hearing those special words.
“God has forgiven you.” Many people confess their sins to God but don’t “feel” forgiven. You can speak on behalf of God’s promises and help set someone free from any false guilt they continue to carry.
“God used you in my life.” Occasionally someone will encourage me when I’m down and not even know it. I love to give them a return gift by telling them what God did through them for me.
I’d encourage you to become more and more generous with your words! I like what God said in Deuteronomy 3:28, “But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

Commission others to ministry with your words.
Strengthen others with your words.
Encourage others as long as it is called today.
How has God used your words?