1 Thessalonians 5:11,  "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Think

"Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated." Have you ever had a "one-upper" friend?  The moment you share an accomplishment or tell a funny story, they reply with something bigger and better. It takes the wind right out of your sails! The right THEY are the complete opposite. They are always encouraging. They don't tear you down, they build you up. You should feel energized and confident when you are with the right THEY. The friends God wants you to have are the people who applaud your accomplishments and encourage you to do well in life. They will propel you to pursue your dreams and take risks to experience all that God has in store. Are you an encouraging friend? How do you respond when your friend is promoted at work, gets engaged, wins a tournament, or finds out they are expecting? Do you get jealous, try to minimize their success (even in private), or do you celebrate with them? Encouragement goes a long way in a relationship. Who can you encourage today?

Act

Think of one person you could encourage right now. Take a moment to text them an encouraging word or thought. Then, throughout the day (and in the ensuing days and weeks), continue to share those kinds of encouraging thoughts with the people in your life!

Pray

God, thank you for these encouraging words! Show me how I can encourage others this week and be the right THEY for them. Continue to strengthen my relationships with the people you have placed in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.