CBC Update

Dear friends,

Words are powerful; they have the ability to build up or tear down, to heal or inflict pain. The saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” couldn’t be more wrong.

A well-known experiment by Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson in 1968 illustrates this power of words and expectations. The study involved a group of primary-aged children who were given a test. The teacher was informed that half of her class were “gifted” while the other half were “average.” Over the next few months, the “gifted” students excelled, while those labeled “average” showed no noticeable change. The twist? These labels were completely random—all the children had initially tested as average.

The difference in performance came not from the children’s abilities but from the teacher’s belief in them. Those whom she believed were “gifted” received extra encouragement, which led them to excel. This experiment reminds us of how an encouraging word can change the direction of another person’s life. What we say to one another matters. Proverbs affirms this truth about the power of our words:

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

— Proverbs 16:24

Encouragement is powerful, and the opposite is true as well:

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

— Proverbs 17:22

We live in a world that often feels negative. Just turning on the news reveals discouragement everywhere. Research shows that, on average, people hear ten negative things for every one positive. But here’s the good news: it takes just one positive thought or action to counter an entire army of discouragement.

As believers, we have every reason to be encouragers:

“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 5:9-11

We have salvation through Jesus! Whether we live or die, we will be together with Him. Because of the encouragement we receive from God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit, we are called to encourage one another—to use words that build others up, to help those in need, and to draw people closer to Jesus.

If you are feeling discouraged, may God’s promises uplift you today. His Word assures us of our salvation and the hope of eternal life. And here’s a challenge for the week: encourage someone. Write a letter, make a call, or invite someone over for a coffee. A simple word of encouragement can make all the difference.

Blessings,

Pastor Ian