The Bible speaks extensively of encouragement and understanding the importance of building others up. The book of Proverbs states, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11) From this foundation, many other verses dive into the depths of how we can encourage one another and keep ourselves uplifted in difficult times.
From the viewpoint of Jesus, He continually chose to encourage others over and over again. Whether it was the woman at the well, the crowd in the organized synagogue, or His chosen disciples, He was constantly speaking words of kindness and guidance. He even faced some of His most difficult moments with strength and dignity.
When looking at other passages of the Bible, the importance of building up those in our lives is proven even more. The words of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians rings with encouragement, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) The book of Romans also speaks on the topic with an additional perspective, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10).
These verses make it clear how valuable building up one another can be in our relationships and everyday lives. Encouragement can be given through a kind word, positive affirmation, an unexpected act of kindness, or even by simply being present for someone as they face a challenge. Every act of encouragement you give leaves a lasting impression, influencing another for the better.
At times, practicing encouragement can be difficult, especially in difficult and trying situations. The Bible reminds us of this by affirming, “Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble.”(Isaiah 35:3) It is so important to remember that love, support, and guidance can go a long way in the life of another. It is easy to forget in our daily lives the power of simply speaking words of encouragement to others, but the importance is not to be overlooked.
The Impact of Encouragement On Our Own Lives
In addition to having impact in the lives of others, the bible speaks just as highly about its role in the life of the individual. The book of Proverbs suggests, “The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.” (Proverbs 16:23) Here, the Bible is suggesting that encouraging words spoken internally can have a similarly positive impact in that persons life.
God speaks highly of the act of practicing self-encouragement as a spiritual discipline. He desires us to speak to ourselves with compassion and kindness, something that often proves far more difficult than with others. We all battle with our own self-doubt, fears, and insecurities and it can take a tremendous amount of practice to overcome these thoughts.
However, God already knows all of these inner struggles. He has already provided the necessary encouragement in Scripture to fight off those negative thoughts and pursue what He has already equipped us to do. Therefore, when feeling uninspired or discouraged, we can look to His Words as a source of comfort and an influence of rejuvenation.
Putting Encouragement Into Practice
Putting encouragement into practice requires a great amount of self-discipline, however, when implementing the words of the Bible in this regard, it is possible to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. Numbers 6:25 makes it quite clear: “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” God is waiting to show us that tenderness and wants to be involved in our every decision. It is only through His grace that we have the power to encourage and be encouraged.
Whether it be for family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, encouragement can have powerful effects on someone’s life. And though it can be difficult to put into practice on a daily basis, the rewards of doing so are incredible. We can be intentional with our words, offer affirmations and kindness to those around us, and use the Bible’s advice to guide our actions. And whatever the outcome may be, we can be certain that God is smiling down on us.
Encouragement During Trying Times
In times of difficulty, it is easy to become overwhelmed, even discouraged. In moments like these, it’s important to turn to the Bible for the strength, comfort, and peace it promises. Isaiah 40:29-31 reads: “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”
This is a beautiful reminder of the power and promises that come from simply trusting in the Lord. Not only can we trust Him to provide us with the strength to make it through the difficult times, but He promises us an even greater reward – the power to soar, even in the hardest circumstances.
Whatever the difficulty may be, it is important to remember the promise of support and strength through God’s encouraging words. And though it can be challenging, we can strive to live out these words in our everyday lives. That might mean offering words of encouragement to friends, family, or even ourselves. Either way, these words can have a profoundly positive and lasting impact.
Encouragement Within Our Church Communities
The Bible is highly encouraging when it talks about the importance of the gathered community of believers. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we learn, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Here, the Church is called to be the greatest contributors of encouragement, stirring others up and helping them to not only persevere, but to keep their focus on the promises of God, who is working out His perfect will in the midst of our lives.
When we accept this responsibility, we become part of a bigger picture, coming together for the purpose of continuing to encourage one another to love and good works. We can listen and support one another on the road to growth, going beyond just offering empty words of encouragement. We can actively seek to join the lives of one another and provide the kind of help and support that will bring us closer to the Lord.
Conclusion
The Bible carries with it powerful words of encouragement that, when applied in our daily lives, can bring healing and hope, even in the most trying times. We can be intentional to reach out and provide the kind of love and support that will ease the burden of others. And we can use God’s promises and words to continue to remind us that He is with us in every step of our journeys. By loving one another and practicing kindness, we can become a community that finds peace in the promise of God’s strength.
