In this busy holiday season, I have a secret to help you not just get through it, but to bring joy wherever you go: by God’s power of love through encouragement.

Jesus loved through encouragement

I studied in the Bible how Jesus interacted with non-religious people and found that he was very supportive and encouraging. In fact, Jesus did not get down on regular people at all. Let’s take a look at how Jesus modeled love through the power of encouragement.

Just one positive thing

When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at a well in John 4, he accurately told her about herself. While they talked, she openly shared with Jesus the truth: she was not married. And how did Jesus take it? Here’s the text:

“I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true” John 4:17-18.

The Samaritan woman and Jesus had a heart-to-heart discussion that opened the door for Jesus to either condemn her or encourage her. What did he do? Jesus called her honest. He is always looking for and finding the positive in people.

As a result, the woman’s response was “Sir, I can see you are a prophet.” He won over her heart by finding one positive thing about her: honesty. That one word of encouragement, plus the other truths Jesus explained to her, made her so encouraged that she had to tell the people in her town! Encouragement is contagious.

There are many examples where Jesus encourages people, highlighting the positive in a dark world. Love is so powerful when paired with encouragement.

Focus on the positive

Finding the positive in everything and everyone changes your life, making it increasingly positive. This is a powerful principle that will change the spiritual atmosphere all around you.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent orpraiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9.

Your challenge: find just one positive thing – that’s all

I am challenging you to be an encourager by finding just one positive thing in a difficult situation. You may find more than one, but starting with one will open the way to love others.

People will be drawn to you because you are a positive influence, full of optimism, hope, and encouragement. When people feel safe, they will open up and trust you. Plus, when you love through encouraging others, you will find a deeper level of God’s grace on your own life.

Enjoy this season’s opportunities to encourage and love! I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Blessings,
~ Doug Addison

Doug Addison is a prominent conference speaker captivating audiences with clean stand-up comedy and high energy prophetic messages which he has shared on television, radio and the internet for over a decade. Doug brings laughter, fun and a unique prophetic style while empowering people to transform their lives, discover their destiny and understand dreams, tattoos and piercings. His powerful messages stay with his audiences long after hearing him.