Shine Bright: The Power and Gift of Encouragement

Devotional

Day 1: Be a Peacemaker, Not Just a Peacekeeper

Peacemakers are called to actively pursue peace, not simply avoid conflict or maintain comfort, but to engage with love and resolve what divides us. Peacemaking is not passive; it is a powerful, Christlike act that reflects the heart of Jesus, who made peace between God and humanity through His sacrifice. While peacekeepers may shy away from hard conversations or uncomfortable truths, peacemakers step forward, initiating reconciliation and healing even when it is difficult. In a world full of negativity and division, God calls His children to be peacemakers who bring hope and encouragement, changing the climate around them by lifting others up. [12:35]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you have been avoiding conflict instead of pursuing true peace? What is one step you can take today to move from being a peacekeeper to a peacemaker?

Day 2: The Power of Encouraging Words

Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to bring life or death, and God calls us to use our speech to encourage and strengthen those around us. In a world where negativity is rampant and discouragement is easy to find, choosing to speak words of encouragement can be a light switch that brings hope and faith to others. Even when it feels awkward or unnatural, practicing encouragement is a gift that can transform relationships, families, and communities. Every positive thought about someone is an opportunity to bless them—don’t let it go unspoken. [16:55]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage today with your words? What specific message of affirmation or gratitude can you share with them right now?

Day 3: Encourage One Another Daily

Daily encouragement is essential to prevent our hearts from being hardened by the deceitfulness of sin and the lies of the enemy. Everyone is facing battles that are often invisible, and a single word of encouragement can make a profound difference in someone’s life. God’s Word urges us to be diligent in building each other up every day, not just occasionally, so that hope and faith are continually renewed within the body of Christ. Make it a habit to notice and acknowledge the good in others, and let your encouragement be a source of strength for those around you. [17:45]

Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make daily encouragement a habit in your home, workplace, or church community starting today?

Day 4: Encourage Yourself in the Lord

There will be times when encouragement from others is absent, and in those moments, it is vital to speak truth and hope to your own soul, just as David did in his darkest hour. When everything seemed lost and those around him blamed and threatened him, David found strength by reminding himself of God’s faithfulness and promises. Self-encouragement is not about empty self-talk, but about preaching God’s truth to yourself, declaring His goodness, and choosing to put your hope in Him even when circumstances are bleak. Don’t wait for others to lift you up—use your own voice to build yourself up in the Lord. [26:52]

1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)
"And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

Reflection: When you face discouragement, what is one promise from God’s Word you can speak over yourself to find strength and hope?

Day 5: Speak Life Over Yourself and Others

The words you speak to yourself matter deeply, shaping your outlook, your faith, and your ability to shine God’s light in a dark world. Negative words are easy to remember and can reinforce feelings of defeat, but intentionally speaking God’s truth over your life can break the cycle of discouragement and empower you to live as a new creation in Christ. Remind yourself daily of who you are in Jesus: forgiven, redeemed, loved, and called to be a light. As you speak life over yourself, you’ll be equipped to encourage others and fulfill your God-given purpose. [34:18]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What negative self-talk do you need to replace with God’s truth today? Write down one life-giving statement from Scripture and declare it over yourself this week.

Sermon Summary

Christmas is a season that draws us into the light, a time when joy and encouragement seem to break through the heaviness of life. But this isn’t just a seasonal feeling—it's a calling for every believer. We are meant to shine bright in a world that is often dark and discouraging, not by drawing attention to ourselves, but by letting the love and light of Jesus be seen through us. Our mission is to lift up Jesus, knowing that when we do, He draws people to Himself. This is not about perfection or pretending to have it all together; it’s about being real, letting Jesus increase in us, and allowing His light to shine through our imperfections.

Encouragement is the language of light. In a world saturated with negativity, criticism, and despair, words of encouragement are desperately needed. Many people are fighting battles we know nothing about, and sometimes the person who needs encouragement the most is ourselves. The enemy can’t steal our salvation, but he works hard to steal our confidence, to get us to shrink back and dim our light. But we are called to push back, to shine even brighter when darkness presses in.

There’s a difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. Peacekeepers avoid conflict and maintain the status quo, but peacemakers engage, pursue resolution, and bring real change. Jesus was the ultimate peacemaker, reconciling us to God through the cross. We are called to follow His example, to step into the mess and bring hope, not just keep things comfortable.

Our words have the power of life and death. Encouragement is not just a gift for a few; it’s a discipline we can all develop. When you think something good about someone, say it. Don’t rob them of the blessing of encouragement. This can transform marriages, families, workplaces, and friendships. Even when no one else is there to encourage us, we can encourage ourselves in the Lord, just as David did. Speak truth over your life, remind yourself of God’s faithfulness, and refuse to let negative voices define you.

Hope is not just a feeling—it’s fuel. In a world running on empty, let’s be people who pass out hope, who build each other up, and who shine bright for Jesus. No matter what you’re facing, remember: God is for you, God is with you, and God is working in you. So shine bright.

Key Takeaways

1. Encouragement is the language of light Encouragement is not just a nice gesture; it is the very expression of the light of Christ in a dark world. When we speak words of life, we reflect Jesus and offer hope to those who are struggling. Our words can be the difference between someone giving up or pressing on, so let’s be intentional to speak encouragement daily. [01:21]
2. Be a peacemaker, not just a peacekeeper Peacekeepers avoid conflict and settle for comfort, but peacemakers pursue true peace by engaging with difficult situations and bringing resolution. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to step into the brokenness and bring His peace, even when it’s uncomfortable. This is how we reflect His heart and change the world around us. [08:33]
3. Encourage yourself in the Lord There will be times when no one else is there to lift you up. Like David, we must learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord—reminding ourselves of God’s promises, faithfulness, and love. Self-talk rooted in God’s truth can break the cycle of negativity and empower us to keep moving forward in faith. [25:33]
4. Express positive thoughts—don’t just think them A good thought unspoken does no one any good. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind or you notice something praiseworthy, express it. This simple act can be a lifeline to someone in need and can transform relationships, families, and communities. [20:21]
5. Hope is fuel, not just a feeling Hope is what keeps us moving when life is hard. It’s not a fleeting emotion, but the sustaining power that comes from knowing who we are in Christ and what He has promised. When we encourage others and ourselves, we are passing out hope—fuel for the journey ahead. [23:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Power of Christmas Light
[01:01] - Shining for Jesus, Not Ourselves
[01:21] - Encouragement: The Sound of Light
[02:10] - Don’t Dim Your Light
[03:18] - Wholehearted Living for Jesus
[04:31] - Everyone Faces Battles
[05:12] - The Gift of Encouragement
[06:26] - Acting on Promptings to Encourage
[08:19] - Peacemakers vs. Peacekeepers
[11:32] - Jesus, the Ultimate Peacemaker
[13:29] - The Danger of Negative Friendships
[16:23] - The Power of Words
[17:22] - Encouragement as a Daily Discipline
[24:38] - David’s Example: Encouraging Yourself
[30:31] - The Importance of Self-Talk
[33:31] - God’s Truth Over Your Life
[35:52] - Choosing to Shine Bright
[36:29] - Prayer for the Discouraged
[37:26] - Invitation to New Life in Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:9 (ESV) — > “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) — > “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”

1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) — > “And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 5:9, what is the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper as described in the sermon? [08:33]
In Proverbs 18:21, what does it mean that “death and life are in the power of the tongue”? How did the sermon illustrate this truth? [16:23]
When David was in distress in 1 Samuel 30:6, what did he do to find strength? How did the sermon describe David’s response? [25:33]
The sermon mentioned that encouragement is the “language of light.” What are some examples given of how encouragement can impact someone’s life? [01:21]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus call peacemakers “children of God”? What does it look like to be a peacemaker in real life, according to the sermon? [08:33]
The sermon says that encouragement is not just a gift for a few, but a discipline for all believers. Why is it important to make encouragement a daily habit? [17:22]
How does the way we talk to ourselves (self-talk) affect our ability to shine the light of Jesus, especially when we feel discouraged? [30:31]
The sermon draws a line between expressing positive thoughts and just thinking them. Why is it important to actually say encouraging words out loud? [20:21]

Application Questions

Think of a recent situation where you had a positive thought about someone but didn’t share it. What kept you from saying it, and how could you respond differently next time? [20:21]
The sermon challenges us to be peacemakers, not just peacekeepers. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you’ve been avoiding conflict instead of pursuing real peace? What would it look like to step in as a peacemaker this week? [08:33]
When was the last time you encouraged yourself in the Lord, like David did? What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God’s faithfulness when you feel down? [25:33]
The pastor said, “Encouragement is a light switch. It flips the light on.” Who in your life might need a word of encouragement right now? How can you reach out to them this week? [16:23]
The sermon mentioned that hope is “fuel, not just a feeling.” What is one area of your life where you feel low on hope? How can you intentionally “refuel” with hope from God’s promises? [23:35]
Are there any negative voices or self-talk patterns that you need to replace with God’s truth? What is one Bible verse or truth you can speak over yourself this week? [33:31]
The enemy tries to get us to “dim our light.” What is one practical step you can take this week to shine brighter for Jesus in your family, workplace, or community? [02:10]

Sermon Clips

Discouragement is a light dimmer. Encouragement is a light switch. It flips the light on. Your words, my words, can encourage people and build them up, or it can tear them down and crush them. Proverbs 18.21 says, The tongue has the power of life and death, and I want my words to build up and strengthen your faith, not tear it down. And can I tell you, when you get ready to preach a message like this, you realize how much negativity you actually talk, and I do. I can get down in the dumps. I can wear myself out. I can always see the half-empty glass before I see the half-full one. But I want my words to build up. How about you? I want to help people to believe that God's for them, not against them. I can either tear them down or I can build them up. I have to choose. [00:16:24] (51 seconds) #EncourageDaily

Because one of the best things you can do for your relationships is bless them with words of encouragement. If you're married, you've got kids, you're a leader at work, you lead a connect group here at church, bless them, encourage them. Because I want to speak positive words of encouragement, not negativity. Pastor Dare, but you don't know my family. You don't know my spouse. You don't know my boss. Encouraging them would be impossible. Paul said in Ephesians 4.29, Don't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. It doesn't matter who they are. But only what's helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen. Whoo, that verse got me this week. Did what you just said, did what I just say make them feel better and build them up? Or did it tear them down? [00:20:46] (45 seconds) #HopeIsFuel

Positive words are hard to remember. But negative words are hard to forget. You can have so many people encourage you. And because it's not what you feel about yourself. Because it's not what you're used to hearing, you forget it quickly. But when you already feel like you're under the gun. When you already feel lower than low. When you already keep tearing yourself down with those voices in your head. When somebody tells you a negative word, you grab on to it. Because it completes the narrative that you've already been having with yourself in your own head. Positive words are hard to remember. But negative ones are hard to forget. Why is it that 100 people can be in a room and 99 love you. And you focus on the one turkey that hates you. [00:28:52] (56 seconds) #SelfTalkMatters

Why are you so downcast? Why are you hurting? Why are you so low? Why are you so down? Why are you so depressed? Some of you need to ask yourself that. Ask yourself those questions. Why do you feel so disconnected? Why are you battling so hard with anxiety? Why has fear overwhelmed you when you know you're called to be a man or woman of faith? David preached to himself. Why so downcast, oh my soul? Put your hope in God. Why are you depressed? Why are you down when you know the faithfulness, the goodness, and the power and the provision of God? Put your hope in Him. Put your faith in Him. Put your trust in Him. Because He's always with you and He says He'll never leave you and He'll never forsake you. He's completely for you. [00:31:03] (47 seconds) #NoWeaponProsper

Because encouragers are light bearers. I will not shrink back. I will shine back. I will not echo the darkness. I will speak life. I will not wait for courage. I will be encouraged. Because God is for me. God is with me. And God is working in me. And you too. Therefore I will shine bright for him. Amen. Be encouraged church. Be encouraged. [00:35:54] (31 seconds)

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