"It Feels Good to be Believed In"
/“But what about you?” he (Jesus) asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16
The time they had spent together with the others had come to convince Peter that Jesus was, in fact, the Son of God. The miracles, the lessons, the example that Jesus had laid before him had eliminated whatever doubt Peter harbored before this moment. Jesus’ response to Peter’s faith was remarkable.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” In laymen’s terms, Jesus answered, “I’m giving you the keys to the Chevy called Christianity!”
There are several lessons in this interchange, but one to note is that while Peter believed in the abilities of Jesus, Jesus also believed in Peter’s abilities.
The power that comes from believing in someone speaks volumes against the cynical world. You regularly find negativity in the workplace, and far too often in our day to day relationships. I think our enemy likes it that way.
It doesn’t take much to make an extra effort to encourage someone, to build them up, or show them that you believe in them. Here are five keys to aid you in this effort.
1) Think of them
The first challenge is to take our minds off or ourselves or our problems. Our eyes physically look outward, but sometimes we find ourselves in a rut where our thoughts swirl around ourselves. Who will God put in your path this week? Be the difference maker for them when you meet them. I guarantee they will be heartfully grateful.
2) Express your belief in them
God does think highly enough of you and me, and those around us to offer His Son as a sacrifice for us. In a small way, we can reflect this admiration to others. A note or even a reminder statement of “Your awesome, and here is why…” can offer far more encouragement than we think.
3) Bear with them
I don’t think Jesus ever secretly rolled his eyes at an incoherent answer or faulty action by Peter or the others. His perfect love would have prevented that type of response. Similarly, we should give ourselves much grace in our interactions with each other. I’ll emphasize that; We need forgiveness from each other! Reflect the grace that God has given you in your shortcomings to your friend and be patient in love.
4) Help them
Jesus didn’t just tell Peter he was awesome, give Peter the keys, and wish him luck! Part of believing in someone next to you may be helping to set them up for success. For Peter, he would receive God’s Spirit that would help him to continue to grow in both faith and understanding, eventually writing words we still read today. Expressing your belief in someone is encouraging, but the extra step of showing them in action is hardly ever forgotten.
5) Reassure them
They will stumble and fall, and the world will continue to be a negative space. Be a reassuring presence in their life. It doesn’t take much. Letting someone know that you believe in them, you have faith in them, and you admire them will help them grow and in turn, help them to pass it on.
