Bible Passage: “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:24; Proverbs 27:17
There’s a big difference between giving advice to a young person and truly investing in them.
Advice is easy and convenient, and sometimes more about our own vanity.
Investment costs time, energy, and most of all, presence.
Growing up, every man wanted someone who would check in and ask hard questions. Someone who notices when you’re struggling and digs in when things get messy.
I have to admit it: that’s part of why the film Good Will Hunting always makes me cry.
Sean, the therapist played by Robin Williams, does more than challenge Will intellectually. He invests in him personally. He listens. He pushes him. He refuses to give up on him. Real transformation begins when Will realizes someone actually cares enough to stay involved in his life.
That kind of investment can’t help but change people.
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to build one another up. Hebrews says to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). Notice the intentionality in that verse. It requires forethought, attention, and effort.
And Proverbs reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”
(Proverbs 27:17). Growth happens through the proximity, time, and the friction of conversations, accountability, and just hanging around together.
Most of us can immediately point to someone who invested in us: a coach who believed in us, a patient parent, a teacher who saw potential, or a pastor, mentor, or friend who challenged us.
Often, the people who shape us most are not necessarily the most talented or impressive (isn’t that a relief when considering how we can shape others?).
They’re simply the ones who showed up consistently.
And in such a distracted world, attention has become one of the greatest gifts you can give someone.
Young people are growing up surrounded by online followers, likes, algorithms, and constant noise, yet many are deeply lonely. They need real relationships with people who care enough to know their story.
Investing in someone doesn’t require having all the answers. Invite them out for coffee. Offer to teach a practical skill like changing out winter tires for summer times. Or just simply ask, “How are you doing?” and be available when they’re ready to answer.
You may never fully see the fruit of those conversations, but God often uses small moments of faithfulness to shape a life for decades.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the people who invested in me and helped shape my faith and character. Help me slow down enough to notice the younger people around me who need encouragement and guidance. Give me wisdom, patience, and compassion as I invest in others. Teach me to build people up with my words, actions, and presence. Use my life to strengthen the next generation for Your glory. Amen.
Reflection: Who is one younger person you could intentionally invest time, encouragement, or attention into this week?
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