There are probably people who come instantly to mind when you hear the word encourage. They’re continually about the business of exhortation, encouragement, edification, consolation, and comfort.
I think of Elsie, Francis, and Mary. I think of Allen who, in the midst of a battle with cancer, is a constant source of encouragement to me and many others. Encouragement involves serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. During the early days of the new church, a man named Joses saw Christians in need. He sold land he owned, and laid the money at the feet of the apostles (Acts 4:36). This man was so given to encouragement that they changed his name to Barnabas, translated Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36).
Encouragement comes through comforting words and correct Biblical teaching. First century Christians were confused about Jesus’ second coming (1 Thess. 4:13-18). They mistakenly believed that those who had died in the Lord would not be received by Christ when He returned to earth. Paul assured them that when Jesus comes again, the dead in Christ will rise first, then we who remain will be caught up with them and meet the Lord in the air. Therefore comfort [encourage] one another with these words.
Exhortation may include instruction, admonition, or warning. Paul said, you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory (1 Thess. 2:10-12). He cautioned them to be sober or alert, reminding them that it is the duty of Christians to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11). Paul told them, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all (1 Thess. 5:14).
The example Barnabas provided, as well as the commands of the epistles, should bring self-evaluation. Are we a source of encouragement to the brethren? Do we exhort and build them up with good words and humble serving?
If brothers and sisters in the church changed our names, what would they call you or me?
Today’s Verse: Heb 3:13 – but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called Today; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin:
By Teresa Hampton
Teresa, I was deeply touched by your article. Thanks for the encouragement!
Excellent thoughts, new angles on a frequently mentioned (but perhaps seldom deeply considered) topic. Both our outlook and our actions really might impact our brethren more than we think. Thanks so much for the *encouragement*!
Philippians 1:9-11
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.