Jonathan's Perspective on Encouragement

Have you ever been having a bad day when someone cheers you up with some encouraging words?  It could be as simple as a compliment or as profound as a call to persevere.  Whatever it is, a comment as short as a couple of sentences can completely change how you progress through your day.

Since our words have such power, we should all take advantage of opportunities to encourage those around us.  It takes no weighty theology to understand the wisdom of the idea that we should treat others how we want to be treated.  We certainly like to be encouraged so we should do the same for others.  Going deeper, the Bible says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."
(1 Thessalonians 5:11a)  Earlier in the Bible Solomon described just how beneficial a kind word can be. "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
(Proverbs 16:24)

However, I think we all know how easy it is to remain too focused on ourselves to remember to encourage others.  But instead of trying to fix that that in our power I think it is far better to seek help from God to become more attentive towards those around us.  The Apostle Paul, led by the Spirit of God, wrote in Romans 15:5:   "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."  So if we find in ourselves a tendency to neglect the all too important act of encouraging others, we should ask God to cultivate this attitude in us.  I certainly believe God will answer this prayer with a definitive "Yes!"  Then, it is our job to remember that prayer everyday and move out in faith believing that God will bring to our attention opportunities to encourage.

Knowing the wisdom and truth packed into the Scriptures will be a big help in this area.  "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)  Daily reading of the many uplifting passages in the Bible will allow encouragement flow more easily out of us.

Why don't you read some of those now!  Here is one of my favorites.

"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
(Isaiah 40:31)

Don't you feel more encouraged now?  I do.  So, like I've mentioned in previous posts, this is a great reason to make sure to do daily Bible readings, hopefully more than one per day.  In my case, I like to read a topical devotional and Bible reading in the morning and a chronological reading in the evening.

Additionally, another important thing regarding Godly encouragement was written in the book of Hebrews. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)  God never wanted for there to be loner Christians separate from the larger body of Christ.  Without consistent fellowship with believers, it is impossible to receive biblical encouragement or give it out.  In other words, find a church that fits you, regardless of any bad experiences in the past.  Neglecting this can produce Christians with skewed theology who do little to advance God's Kingdom on Earth.  Trust me, I know a few.

In conclusion, I highly recommend you read a encouraging Bible passage every morning and pray that God would help you be aware of opportunities to encourage those around you. Step out in faith and the right words will come.

I will end with a prayer.

Dear Lord, please help me and all those who will read this post to start or continue the meaningful habit of receiving encouragement from Your Word every morning.  Give us awareness to see when others need an encouraging word spoken to them and provide us with the right words to say.  In Jesus' name, Amen.


(All passages are from the New International Version of the Bible)