What a fabulous sermon Don shared with us Sunday. I know he says that he has a hard time writing sermons because we are a “more mature” congregation, but each Sunday he hits it out of the park!
Scripture: Matthew 25:14–30
In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts his servants with his wealth before going on a journey. To one he gives five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. When the master returns, two of the servants have invested and multiplied what they were given, while one hid his talent in fear. The master praises the faithful ones: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Now, imagine for a moment that the “talent” God has given you isn’t money…it’s encouragement.
Encouragement may not seem flashy or valuable like gold or silver, but it’s one of the most powerful spiritual gifts God gives. It’s the kind of “talent” that can multiply hope, faith, and perseverance in others. It’s the smile that reminds someone they’re not alone. It’s the text message that says, “I’m praying for you.” It’s the word that pulls someone back from giving up.
But the truth is many of us bury this talent. We assume someone else will say the kind word. We convince ourselves it’s not our place. We underestimate the power of our simple acts of kindness. And when we do that, we miss the chance to invest in something eternal.
Encouragement grows when it’s shared. When you encourage someone, it often stirs something in them that encourages someone else. It’s contagious in the best way possible! The servant who doubled his talents didn’t keep the profit for himself, he multiplied his master’s joy. Likewise, when we use our words to lift others, we multiply the joy and faith of our Master in heaven.
So ask yourself: Am I investing my talent, or am I burying it?
Every day offers opportunities to sow seeds of hope—through a compliment, a note, a prayer, or simply listening. You never know how God will use your encouragement to multiply blessings in someone’s life.
Shine, Shine, Shine!