Encouraging Others: Insights from the Bible
One of the pervasive themes in the Bible is the importance of encouraging others. Encouragement, in biblical terms, is more than just expressing kind words. It entails uplifting the spirit, fostering hope, and nurturing spiritual growth in others, reflecting God’s love and compassion.
The New Testament particularly underscores the importance of mutual encouragement. Paul, in his letters, frequently urges believers to comfort each other. He states in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Here, encouragement is portrayed not merely as an act of kindness but as an integral aspect of Christian living, tied closely to the community’s improvement.
Paul further expounds on this in Romans 15:2, “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” In this context, the ‘neighbor’ is not restricted to geographical proximity but extends to everyone we interact with. Hence, encouraging others is not confined to the church community but should be practiced in all spheres of our lives.
The Bible also delineates the role of the Holy Spirit as the ‘Encourager’ or ‘Comforter’ (John 14:16). Christians, filled with this Spirit, are to mirror this attribute, providing solace and encouragement to those around them. This is encapsulated in Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Furthermore, Hebrews 3:13 instructs, “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 emphasizes the temporal immediacy and continuity of encouragement. It isn’t a one-off activity but a daily commitment aiming to safeguard individuals from spiritual hardness.
It’s noteworthy that the Bible doesn’t restrict encouragement to words alone. It extends to actions, too, as demonstrated by the narrative of Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. Known as the “Son of Encouragement,” Barnabas sold his land to support the early church, illustrating that encouragement often translates into selfless acts that foster unity and mutual support.
Moreover, the Bible underscores the power of encouragement in difficult times. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” Here, the Bible acknowledges the human propensity towards worry, yet it reaffirms the immense power of encouragement to alleviate emotional burdens and bring cheer.
Finally, the Bible recognizes the reciprocal nature of encouragement. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul states, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” This suggests that the encouragement we receive from God and others becomes a resource for encouraging others, creating a cycle of mutual upliftment.
Being a church encourager is vital for personal growth and community building. It encompasses uplifting words, compassionate acts, daily commitment, and sharing our comfort. Encouraging others, thus, is not merely a moral obligation but a reflection of God’s love, fostering a community that mirrors the grace and compassion of its Creator.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
