Encouragement

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:8

Flattery vs encouragement

I think we can all recognise flattery when someone is saying a lot of lovely things about us that are obviously insincere and generated from a place of insecurity or wanting to become a friend to get something they want. It’s a bit more difficult to recognise it in ourselves when we simply want to please people.

Here are a few thoughts. First, giving courage doesn’t always need words. Listening to and waiting with someone, rather than saying it will be ok, can be encouraging. Second, stopping to think – God is our greatest source of courage; how can I help my friend know that God is with them and what support can I offer? Third, ask – we often assume we already know what the most encouraging thing will be to say or do, but often it’s better to simply ask them what would encourage them. And fourth, stay connected – friends can be encouraged in a moment but there’s also real value in staying connected and building a community of ongoing encouragement.

I have a group of wonderful friends. We’ve met together regularly over many years to encourage one another and pray for each other. When we’re not together, we share life through a WhatsApp group. In this community of friendship, we’ve humbly given each other the courage to keep depending on God, and we’ve collectively shared the joy of knowing that God has never left us nor forsaken us.

Let me pray for us: ‘Lord, help us to be people who find our courage in you and who walk with others in humility to encourage their faith, Amen.’

Scripture: Acts 11:23-24

Pause and look around

I never cease to be amazed when I read the story of the Israelites in Exodus. They had gone from a life of captivity in Egypt to 40 years of ‘captivity’ in the desert. However, in the midst of this journey, they witnessed miracles! Plagues; pillars of heavenly fire and cloud; a whole ocean parting before their very eyes; food being supernaturally provided to them in the wilderness, and so many more. However, the part that amazes me (in a humbling way) is how quick they were to forget. These people, who had firsthand encounters with the miraculous, often forgot the goodness and provision of their God. They turned to grumbling and complaining, and they made idols to worship because they felt that their needs would be met better that way.

But when I truly think about it, how different am I? Do I look at the dry season I’m in and grumble? Do I doubt His provision in seasons of financial leanness?

Today’s passage is talking about a man named Barnabas who was sent to the city of Antioch where God was moving amongst the people and lives were being saved. When he arrived and saw what God was doing, he ENCOURAGED them!

So today I encourage YOU! Pause, look at your life, and really take note of God’s hand in it all. Write down the little miracles, give thanks for His ever-present love and care, and watch your day turn around.

Scripture: Hebrews 3:13

Encouragement – the giving of courage

An old legendary story has the archangel Michael stripping the devil of all his powers. The devil pleads with Michael to leave him just one power with which to tempt human beings. This was agreed, and the one power kept by Satan was discouragement.

Because discouragement is so common and debilitating, encouragement is so necessary and helpful. When we encourage one another, we give one another the strength and will to do what needs to be done. The overarching goal of encouragement is to keep focused on the faithfulness of God rather than any presenting threat.

We encourage by praying for others, and wherever possible, letting them know we’re praying for them. We encourage by the words we speak. It’s been said that we need ten encouraging words for every discouraging word spoken to us. Encouraging words are those that aim to build up and offer courage and hope for that person. And that doesn’t mean mere niceness: constructive rebuke can be an encouragement.

But encouragement is more than words. It involves actions. A person facing a medical procedure can be encouraged by our words, but they may also be encouraged by our offering to drive them to and from hospital. Sometimes, simply turning up and being present is a sufficient encouragement.

Make it a priority to be such an encouraging person. Be remembered not as a whining critic, an idle gossip, a peddler of pious platitudes. Be remembered as one who gives courage.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

More than a cheerleader

I’m sure we all know what encouragement is and how much it benefits others, but how often do we actually do it? Does uplifting someone come naturally to you? Do you cheer others on, get alongside them, lift their eyes? With some people in your life, it’s easy to encourage. They please you; you encourage them. It’s simple. But with others, it can be painful. We fight against it. Usually for the wrong reasons – we’re jealous, frustrated, in conflict with them, don’t want them to get the upper hand. Yet, Paul’s words to the Thessalonians command them to encourage everyone, as a reflection of God’s love and grace.

Encouragement is like a muscle – the more you work it and practice it, the more natural it becomes. For the times it feels more difficult, try meeting misunderstandings with others using grace.

The New Testament verb translated encourage can also mean ‘to comfort, cheer up, console, speak in a friendly manner’. So, encouragement could just come as a kind word. I’ll never forget the (sadly only a few) times that a stranger shared a kind word with me, as I physically battled my screaming and flailing toddler into a shopping trolley.

But a kind word is more than that; it can have eternal consequences. Let’s encourage one another with scripture and encourage one another with stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives. In fact, why not text someone right now to lift them up? I guarantee it’ll breed joy. So go and make a difference in someone’s day. It might just show them a glimpse of God’s love.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Build up

You can offer a kind word: ‘Great work!’

You can be positive: ‘You did it! I can’t wait to see what you do next!’

Or, you can edify: ‘Let me take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come. I know this task has been challenging, and it’s tested your patience many times. Your hard work has paid off; the result is outstanding, and I believe it’s been a valuable learning experience. I’m grateful for you, appreciate all you’ve done, and I want you to know you’ve proven yourself to be reliable and a person of integrity.’

Edification isn’t just a nice, encouraging word or a cliché from a birthday card. To edify means to build someone up in a meaningful way. It shows that you’ve taken a genuine interest in the other person – that you care about them, value them, and want to help them grow in their faith and life. When we edify, we’re helping others become more like Christ, and in doing so, we reflect Christlikeness ourselves. It requires a deep understanding of God’s Word, accountability, encouragement, and the practice of godliness.

Edifying others is also beneficial for us. If you’re struggling to get along with someone, you may find that by taking the time to learn enough about them to genuinely edify them, you’ll begin to appreciate and value them in ways you hadn’t expected.

Imagine what it would be like if we all tried to invest in each other, to help our brothers and sisters flourish, and to build each other up.

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10

You are more than conquerors

In our busy lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. I know there have been moments when I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. But in those times, God gently reminds me, often through the kindness of those around me: I am not alone.

Isaiah 41:10 brings such comfort. God is not just a distant figure; He is present, offering strength and support. He promises to uphold us with His righteous right hand. What a beautiful image! When we feel weak, He infuses us with His strength. When we’re uncertain, He invites us to lean into His unshakeable love.

Consider the times you’ve faced challenges – whether in relationships, work, or personal struggles. It’s good to remember that through those times God has been your anchor, guiding you through the storms. Each moment of doubt can be transformed into an opportunity for trust. Reflecting on the past can remind us that God has brought you and me through every challenge before this as ‘more than conquerors’ (Romans 8:37). Why should we doubt Him with the next challenge when He has proven Himself consistently time and time again?

With that knowledge, we can choose to be sources of encouragement for one another. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple prayer can uplift those around us and give them the peace of mind and strength to persist, knowing that they, too, will be ‘more than conquerors’.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

The strength within

In the midst of trials, challenges, and difficulties in our life, we can lose heart and become discouraged and defeated. Is it worth continuing the battle? Is it worth holding on to hope? Perhaps God is not even listening to our prayers.

Paul reminds us to not lose heart! Though on the outside we are being worn away by the brokenness of sin and the world around us, our trials and battles are strengthening our spirits and renewing our spirits and minds to become more like Christ every day. Each time you choose to have faith in God, each time you pray for His help, each time you take another step forward and tackle the day, your faith, hope, and spirit are being strengthened. You’re being made more into the light and image of Christ who was able to overcome horrific torture and temptation through the knowledge and power of the Word of God and His love.

So today, as you face another day of struggles, battles, and heaviness, remember that Christ asks you to give Him your yoke of burdens, to take up His light yoke, and to walk with Him, trusting Him to help you walk on the water. May God bless you and keep you with Him as you walk through this time, and may your glory and beauty on the other side be a testimony to your brothers and sisters across the globe.