This Weeks Adult Bible Lesson: The Power of Encouragement in God’s Kingdom

Main Idea

God grows people through encouragement, not criticism. Appreciation awakens the gifts He has placed inside every person.

Key Scripture

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 This verse teaches exactly what Schwab’s quote reflects: people flourish when they are lifted, not pushed down.

Teaching Point 1: God Uses Encouragement to Shape Lives

Charles Schwab’s insight mirrors a biblical truth — people grow best in an atmosphere of grace, not fear.

• When Jesus met people, He spoke to the best in them.
• He called fishermen “fishers of men.”
• He called a fearful Gideon a “mighty warrior.”
• He restored Peter by reminding him of his calling, not his failure.

Jesus didn’t develop people by pointing out their weaknesses. He developed them by calling out their God‑given potential.

Jesus’ encouragement

Teaching Point 2: Appreciation Awakens Gifts

Schwab said the best in a person grows through appreciation. Scripture agrees:

• Proverbs 16:24 — “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
• Hebrews 10:24 — “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

When you appreciate someone’s effort, you help them see what God sees. When you encourage someone’s gift, you help it grow.

Stirring up good works

Teaching Point 3: Encouragement Is a Ministry

Encouragement is not optional — it is a command and a calling.

• It strengthens the weak.
• It comforts the discouraged.
• It restores the broken.
• It builds the church.

Every believer is called to be a builder, not a breaker.

Encouragement as ministry

Application for Life

• Speak life, not criticism.
• Notice the good in others.
• Appreciate small steps of growth.
• Encourage gifts you see in people.
• Become a voice that lifts, not a weight that crushes.

When you encourage someone, you partner with God in shaping their future.

Closing Prayer

Dear Lord, make us people who build others up. Teach us to speak appreciation, to offer encouragement, and to call out the gifts You have placed in every heart. May our words bring life, hope, and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen💕✌️🙏