What words and images come to mind when you hear the word “teenager?” Starbucks, the mall, hangouts, high school, drama, dating, friendships are all common associations. But, as a teenager, what ideas do you think most people associate you with? Perhaps, irritation, irresponsibility, laziness, ignorance and a plethora of other frustrating descriptions.
It’s easy for adults to joke about teenagers. Perhaps it’s because age brought new challenges that made youthfulness seem frivolous. It could be that there are embarrassing or painful memories associated with their teen years that they want to forget. Regardless, it doesn’t mean that their time as a teenager was foolish. Teenagers face tough questions and decisions about faith, the importance of family and friends, identity, the future, and more. Teens face more serious scenarios than people realize, which is why it’s so important to have someone speak into your life in a positive manner.
As a teenager, you probably look to adults to be a mentor, which is great! But, there’s nothing that says you can’t be a source of encouragement for your friends as well. Many young people feel challenged by this idea because of their age, or personality. Perhaps, you feel that way. You might be quiet and soft-spoken and don’t like putting yourself out there. Being in the spotlight can be intimidating. But, that’s the beauty of encouraging another person – it’s not about you, it’s about them.
Encouragement inspires boldness.
As a teen, don’t you just want to be accepted? It’s hard to relate to others while navigating your own identity. You receive messages from teachers, parents, coaches, church members, peers and media about what to do, where to go, what to wear and who to be. The teenage years are a pivotal time for developing into the person God crafted you to be. So, teens need encouragement. Youth culture is constantly changing, but the positive short and long-term effects of encouragement don’t change. Since you know what it’s like to navigate through life’s tumultuous times, you can provide encouragement to others and help them determine who God created them to be as you walk the journey yourself.
To be an encouragement as a youth takes a lot of boldness. Most teenagers are used to putting each other down in order to lift themselves up or don’t even know how to encourage someone else because they don’t have that encouragement in their own lives.
Encouragement causes boldness and boldness can be contagious. The biggest victories are related to acts of both large and small amounts of boldness. Encouragement increases confidence and gives an affirming push in the right direction. When boldness that comes from receiving uplifting words is experienced, you’ll be reminded of why you’ve been called to encourage others.
Most of the influential people in your life as a teenager will be the ones who brought you affirmation. That positivity will make a lasting impact on your life and help you develop a healthy spiritual, personal, and emotional life. Be an influential person in the life of those at your school, church, work and community by boldly encouraging others with love and compassion.
Download a PDF of 9 Encouraging Psalms for yourself or a friend.
The Bible is full of scripture telling us to encourage others, but it’s also full of scripture that can encourage us when we’re feeling doubtful and discouraged. Here’s 9 Psalms about God’s character and identity to remind you of how God has your best interests always in mind.
