“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

(I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

Teachers who work with ESL (English as a Second Language) students say that it’s always a joy.  Some days are filled with progress and breakthroughs, other days with unintentional comedy.

One student tried to compliment her teacher and said, “You teach English good.” Another, trying to express something heartfelt, told her, “I will always forget you.” And my all-time favorite was the student who looked at her teacher with complete sincerity and said, “I thank you from the heart of my bottom.”

Moments like that are precious. Because while the words may have missed the mark, the heart behind them hit the bullseye.  And isn’t that true for so much of life?

We stumble over our words in prayer. We try to encourage someone and later wonder if we’ve made things worse.  We may not say or do things with eloquence — but we mean well. We want to please God and help others.  We just fumble the delivery.

Here’s the beautiful truth: God sees our heart. He’s not grading us like an English teacher with a red pen.  He’s listening for love. He’s looking for sincerity.  And when he finds it — even in flawed, clumsy, unpolished words — he’s delighted.

Just like that teacher didn’t correct her student’s “bottom-hearted” gratitude, God doesn’t reject our imperfect efforts.  He welcomes them.  When we try to encourage someone or offer thanks — even if it comes out wrong — God can still use it to lift someone up.

Because encouragement isn’t about being eloquent.  It’s about showing love.  Putting our heart into it.

So, don’t let fear of getting it wrong stop you from doing what you need to do.  Say the thank-you.  Send the note.  Speak the blessing.  Give the hug.  Whether your words come out polished or clunky, God can turn them into something beautiful.

After all, a sincere word — no matter how it’s phrased — can still change a heart.  Sometimes, what matters most isn’t how we say it… but that we say it at all.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for seeing past my imperfections and hearing the heart behind my words. Help me to speak love and encouragement today, even if I fumble through it.  Use my small efforts to build others up and bring you joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day