Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceEncouraging, in a biblical context, refers to the act of giving support, confidence, or hope to others. It is a vital aspect of Christian life and community, as it fosters spiritual growth, unity, and perseverance among believers. Encouragement is both a gift and a command in Scripture, serving as a means to uplift and edify the body of Christ.
Biblical BasisThe Bible emphasizes the importance of encouragement through various passages. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to encourage one another. In
1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This verse highlights the dual role of encouragement: to uplift and to strengthen the faith of fellow believers.
Examples of Encouragement in Scripture1.
Barnabas: Known as the "Son of Encouragement," Barnabas is a prominent example of an encourager in the early church.
Acts 4:36-37 introduces him as a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field and brought the money to the apostles. His actions and support for Paul (
Acts 9:26-27) and John Mark (
Acts 15:37-39) demonstrate his commitment to encouraging others in their ministry.
2.
Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself provided encouragement to His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they would face. In
John 16:33, He assures them, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world."
3.
The Early Church: The early Christian community exemplified mutual encouragement.
Acts 2:42-47 describes how believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, resulting in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The Role of Encouragement in the ChurchEncouragement is essential for maintaining the spiritual health of the church.
Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage underscores the necessity of regular fellowship and encouragement as believers await Christ's return.
Spiritual Gifts and EncouragementEncouragement is also identified as a spiritual gift in
Romans 12:6-8, where Paul lists it among other gifts such as prophecy, service, teaching, and giving. Those with the gift of encouragement are called to exercise it diligently, contributing to the edification and unity of the church.
Practical Ways to Encourage Others1.
Words of Affirmation:
Proverbs 16:24 states, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Speaking kind and affirming words can uplift and inspire others.
2.
Acts of Service: Demonstrating love through service can be a powerful form of encouragement.
Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to "carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
3.
Prayer: Praying for others is a profound way to encourage them, as it invites God's presence and power into their lives.
James 5:16 emphasizes the effectiveness of prayer: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."
ConclusionEncouragement is a vital practice within the Christian faith, serving to strengthen and unify believers as they navigate the challenges of life. Through words, actions, and prayer, Christians are called to be sources of encouragement, reflecting the love and hope found in Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Encourage.
2. (a.) Furnishing ground to hope; inspiriting; favoring.
Greek
3888. paramutheomai -- to encourge, comfort... Word Origin from para and mutheomai (to speak) Definition to encourge, comfort NASB
Word Usage console (1), consoling (1), encourage (1),
encouraging (1).
...3870. parakaleo -- to call to or for, to exhort, to encourage
... 2), beg (1), begging (2), beseeching (1), comfort (5), comforted (11), comforts
(2), conciliate (1), encourage (6), encouraged (4),encouraging (3), entreat (1...
2158. euschemon -- comely
... 2158 ("comely") focuses on the outward of godliness, ie as being (encouraging)
to others which attracts attention in a positive way....
Library
Encouraging Prospects.
... TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. 299. "Encouraging Prospects. 299. 8s., 7s.
& 4s. M. Kelly.Encouraging Prospects. 1 Yes, we trust...
1 Thessalonians ii. 12-Sep
... ourselves toward you that believe: as ye know how we dealt with each one of you,
as a father with his own children, exhorting you, andencouraging you, and...
Whether the Mode and Order of the Temptation were Becoming?
... xxxi), expounding Job 39:25, "He smelleth the battle afar off, theencouraging of
the captains and the shouting of the army," says: "The captains are fittingly...
A Fall and a Recovery, 1800-1857.
... that the true kernel of the Moravian Church consisted, not of all the communicant
members, but only of a "Faithful Few." We can hardly call thisencouraging....
Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
... The Covenant with Jacob was entered into after that the Lord, by anticipating and
encouraging the faith of his servant, graciously presented before him the...
Putting Clouds Over the Sun
... Drop a little good cheer into every life you touch. No matter what you are by nature,
you can form the habit of being cheerful andencouraging....
At Dilligen
... It was not a veryencouraging reception, although it was not so bad as it may sound,
condensed as it is in these pages. Neither was it meant to beencouraging....
The Economic Challenge to the Church
... growth is bringing about industrial peace and since it represents the true spirit
of Christianity the minister is justified inencouraging its development...
Various Experiences --Continued
... Lord, you must show me what is the matter; I can't stand this any longer." Then
the Lord began to talk to me in a loving, fatherly,encouraging way: "This is a...
How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of...
... of joy and comfort is another fainting and discouraging dispensation; as the feeling
of these is a heart-strengthening and mostencouraging thing, which made...
Thesaurus
Encouraging (12 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Encouraging (12 Occurrences).
... "Brethren," they said, "if
you have anything
encouraging to say to the people, speak." (WEY).
...Encouragement (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act ofencouraging; incitement to action
or to practice; as, the encouragement of youth in generosity....
Joshua (211 Occurrences)
... He was also one of the twelve who were sent on by Moses to explore the land of Canaan
(Numbers 13:16, 17), and only he and Caleb gave anencouraging report....
Zechariah (55 Occurrences)
... later, are an answer to the question whether the days of mourning for the destruction
of the city should be any longer kept, and anencouraging address to the...
Neglecting (6 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting--as some habitually do--to meet together, butencouraging
one another, and doing this all the more since you can see the day of...
Lystra (6 Occurrences)
... 19). On recovering, Paul left for Derbe; but soon returned again, through
Lystra,encouraging the disciples there to steadfastness....
Warned (63 Occurrences)
... Acts 14:22 Everywhere they strengthened the disciples byencouraging them to hold
fast to the faith, and warned them saying, "It is through many afflictions...
Wardens (2 Occurrences)
... of the synagogue sent word to them. "Brethren," they said, "if you have
anythingencouraging to say to the people, speak." (WEY)....
Thessalonians (6 Occurrences)
... Thessalonica regarding the state of the church there (Acts 18:1-5; 1 Thessalonians
3:6). While, on the whole, the report of Timothy wasencouraging, it also...
Tychicus (5 Occurrences)
... 3:12, and 2 Timothy 4:12 as having been with Paul at Rome, whence he sent him to
Ephesus, probably for the purpose of building up andencouraging the church...
Resources
What are some encouraging Bible verses? | GotQuestions.orgIs there a biblical spiritual gifts list? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I keep the faith? | GotQuestions.orgEncouraging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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