What Does The Bible Say About Encouragement?

Encouraging one another is beneficial to Christians, as it can bring joy and healing to a despondent heart.  As Christians, we are called to encourage one another. Taking care of our brothers and sisters in Christ is part of God’s will for us who were quickened by the Holy Spirit. It is clear what the Bible says about encouragement.

The term encouragement is emphasized throughout the Scriptures, primarily because encouragement is essential to our Christian faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says that we need to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” But why do we need encouragement? Our merciful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told His followers, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33). When Jesus speaks, He speaks truth, and Jesus is the best encourager out there. He added, “But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

The Great Encourager

Jesus told us that the world would hate us, and He was right. Christians are not exempted from persecution or tribulations. He knew that troubles would come as we continued our Christian walk, and He said that the world would hate us (John 15:18-21). Although that is a grim forecast from our Lord, it was tempered with cheer and encouragement. Remember, He overcame the world! This means that no troubles or sorrows in life are greater than Him. Jesus is our greatest joy and we belong to Him. This should encourage us, assuring us that the Creator of all things is for us and not against us.

Always bear in mind that “we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Because of this truth, encouragement becomes all the more important. When we are encouraged in Jesus Christ, we can expect to have greater strength. He has already provided us with spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18), which is effective in combating and overcoming this world.

Encouragement helps us not only to love ourselves, but also our neighbors. Because of encouragement, we are full of hope and able to give hope to other people. In order to have hope, we must put our faith in Jesus and meditate on His Word (Romans 15:4). Trials and testing may come into our lives as Christians, but we always have one another. We build each other up and make ourselves stronger by encouraging one another. 

Jesus is Here 

Do not be overwhelmed with pain, fear, and anxieties. Instead, we need to be filled with the hope and joy that is found in Jesus. Encouragement makes us feel that we are loved, and we may begin to think that we’re not alone in this world. Jesus is here for us, not only to give us words of encouragement, but also to equip us with strength and wisdom. We also have our brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to listen to our troubles. Let us remember that all our suffering in this lifetime cannot be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us  (For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18).

 

We can start living an abundant life right now if we trust Jesus Christ (John 10:10). We can start living a life that is full of joy, one that is filled with peace, despite the struggles and chaos that we see all around us. Next time you feel discouraged, pray to God and seek help from your brothers and sisters, and if you know someone who is going through a tough time, don’t hesitate to encourage him or her with pleasant words. After all, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). By pleasant words, of course, we mean the Word of God or the Gospel of Christ.