EPHESIANS 4:29
I love my guy friends. When all your girl friends have their own emotional turmoil, the guys are the ones with the shoulder to cry on. They cheer you up and make you smile. However, it never crossed my mind that they might desire my encouragement and respect as much as I love their stability and sensitivity. I’ve been learning that part of being a good friend is encouraging, and I’ve been discovering I don’t do it nearly enough. I’m a very sarcastic person, and I love to tease. As much as I hate to admit it, the phrase, “Oh, get over yourself!” or “You’re so full of it!” are never far from my lips. I’ve noticed every time I say something to put a friend down, even though I consider it humorous, the recipient winces. I had always excused it as, “Well, they know I’m kidding,” but I’ve begun to understand that even if made in a teasing manner, those comments cannot be justified. Your guy friends need your praise and encouragement more than anyone. One of my friends had just spoken in front of a large crowd, and I knew how nervous he had been. Afterwards, I told him what an amazing job he did. He lit up, and it hit me that my little comment meant more to him than I would ever know. If we honor and encourage our guy friends, we show them how much we love them. And that, ladies, is something we should always try to do.
Mary Kaylin Staub, 16, Heritage Academy, Flowery Branch, GA
Please don’t let me forget that people
need my encouragement, Lord. I want to be
the one that lifts them up when they feel scared or sad.