3 Spreading Positivity To Others Series

It's great to be able to share with you this message, as we wrap up our "Be Positive" series.

Over the last few weeks,

we've looked at what it looks like to have a more positive outlook, even when life feels heavy.

We’ve explored how to change our focus and find positivity in the middle of our problems.

Today, we're taking it one step further.

We're going to talk about how we can be a source of positivity for others.

Our message today is called "Spreading Positivity to Others," and it's based on this simple truth:

positivity is contagious.

Think about it—when you're around someone who is joyful and optimistic, it’s hard not to feel a little bit of that yourself, right?

But here’s the other side of that coin: negativity is just as contagious, if not more so.

The atmosphere you carry with you affects everyone around you.

Our world is already full of criticism, division, and cynicism.

As Christ-followers, we are called to be different.

We aren't meant to blend in with the darkness; we are called to be a light!

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The Power of Your Words and Attitude

Our main verse today comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, where Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Paul is telling the church in Thessalonica to

do something simple, yet profoundly powerful.

Words build or break.

Our attitude can lift someone up or lower their spirits.

Our presence can give life, or it can drain it.

Proverbs 18:21 is a powerful reminder of this: “The tongue has the power of life and death…”

You might not think you have a huge impact on the world, but your words absolutely do.

Just one kind word,

one simple encouragement,

one act of kindness

can change someone's entire day—or even their life.

Think back to a time when someone unexpectedly encouraged you.

Maybe a boss said, "I'm really impressed with your work," or

a friend said, "I'm so thankful you're in my life."

You can probably remember exactly what they said and how it made you feel.

It left a mark.

Now, imagine if we lived like that on purpose

……every single day.

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You Are the Light of the World

In Matthew 5:14–16, Jesus says,

“You are the light of the world…

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds – not to make yourself feel good, but…. To glorify your Father in heaven.”

We are “ambassadors” of Christ (represent Him).

Notice Jesus doesn’t say, "You should try to be light."

He says, "You are the light."

It's not a suggestion;

it's our identity.

• We don’t have to be loud to be light.

• We don’t have to be perfect to shine.

• We just have to be intentional.

We aren't called to curse the darkness;

we're called to shine in it.

The world might be full of negativity, but that just means the contrast is even greater when we bring:

• A gentle spirit instead of a harsh tone.

• A thankful heart instead of a complaining one.

• An encouraging word instead of criticism.

When we're shining our light, people can't help but notice the difference.

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Encouragement Is Spiritual

Spreading positivity isn’t just about being a good person; it's about being a follower of Christ.

It was a core part of the early church's culture.

In Acts 4, we read about a man named Barnabas, whose name literally means “Son of Encouragement.”

He wasn’t just generous with his money;

he was generous with his spirit.

He saw the best in people,

even when others were full of doubt.

He saw the potential in Paul, for example,

when the other disciples were still a little hesitant about him.

Barnabas believed in people, and

his encouragement helped them become who God called them to be.

Hebrews 10:24–25 also urges us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another…” This isn't just about being nice;

it's about being Christlike.

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Practical Ways to Spread Positivity

So what does it look like to be a person who builds others up in our everyday lives?

1. Speak Life. Look for opportunities to encourage. Don’t just compliment someone’s outfit; compliment their character.

Say "thank you" more often.

Don't assume people know how much you appreciate them — tell them!

Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

2. Practice Gratitude Out Loud.

Expressing gratitude — saying it out for others to hear — can completely change the atmosphere.

“I’m thankful for this day”

“I’m grateful that I can get out”

“I’m grateful for our conversation”

“I’m thankful that I have my church”

3. Be Kind on Purpose.