Squad Goalsනියැදිය

Getting to speak to hundreds of thousands of people each year, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people from all walks of life—inside and outside the church. From CEOs to college students, pastors to parents, there’s one thing I’ve come to realize: no matter who they are, where they’re from, or what they do, I’ve never met a single person who didn’t need encouragement. Not one.

In fact, most of the time when I’ve taken a moment to encourage someone, their response is almost always the same: “I needed that today.” It’s a reminder that encouragement isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

That’s why the second squad goal I have for you is this: encourage one person every single day.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” This verse gives us such a profound insight about people. When life gets hard—and it will—our hearts have a tendency to turn away from God.

I genuinely believe more people have walked away from God because of discouragement than because of temptation. It’s not that they set out to abandon their faith, but the weight of disappointment, heartache, and unmet expectations slowly pulled them away. That’s why your role as an encourager is so important.

Encouragement is the lifeblood of healthy friendships. And here’s the thing: it’s not just for the friends you already have. The same things that sustain great friendships are the same things that spark new ones. So even if you’re in a season of searching for community—if you’re feeling disconnected or lonely—start where you are. Encourage whoever is in front of you right now. When you make encouragement a daily habit, it prepares your heart, your mind, and your spirit for the kind of deep, life-giving connections you’re longing for.

One of the greatest needs of the human heart is to feel seen and appreciated. And here’s the truth: there’s someone in your life right now who hasn’t felt either in a very long time. Maybe it’s a friend, a coworker, or even a family member. They’re great at what they do, but their gifts have become so normal to everyone around them that they’ve gone unnoticed.

What would it look like for you to intentionally encourage them today? Maybe it’s a text, an email, or a handwritten card. Maybe it’s bragging about them behind their back to someone else. Maybe it’s simply taking a moment to tell them how much you see and appreciate who they are and what they bring to your life.

Here’s what I’ve learned: when you encourage someone, it’s not just good for them—it’s good for you. Encouragement is like oxygen for relationships. It breathes life into people, into friendships, and even into you. So today, take the time to notice someone. Encourage them. And watch how it changes not only their day but yours too.