Encouragement

Today’s devotion is based on 1 Thessalonians 5: 11—“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
I admit that speaking words of encouragement, especially to those we think deserve what they are dealing with because of bad habits or decisions, does not come easily.  Today, give up words of discouragement and become an encourager; to others and, yes, maybe even to yourself. I say to yourself because it is almost impossible to encourage others if you are not encouraging yourself. 
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; you know how easy it is for me to speak words of discouragement to others, even when I don’t mean to speak words of discouragement.  Please help me to choose my words carefully so that what I say encourages instead of tears down.  Please forgive me, for Jesus’ sake, when I speak wrongly so that I better glorify you.  In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen.