Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
But encourage one another daily….so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness Hebrews 3:13
Throughout scripture, God’s word encourages us to not be discouraged, to not grow weary, to not stop meeting together. We are instructed to encourage one another. Jesus told his followers, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Scripture clearly tells us that believers will endure hardship, but Jesus also gives an encouragement that he has overcome the world.
Without encouragement, we lose hope in the midst of troubles and afflictions. Life can be difficult, full of persecution and hatred. At times, recognizing that there is meaning in the seemingly inconsequential things we do seems next to impossible. We may want to give up. Yet, He who calls us to be faithful and gives us the power to do so.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood…but against the powers of this spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12
In the early church, a man named Joseph was given the nickname, Barnabas. This name literally means, son of encouragement. Through this man’s encouragement, the apostle Paul was accepted by the church in Jerusalem and through the encouragement of Barnabas, Mark was given a second chance after a failure.
Who doesn’t need a second chance?
Encouragement gives hope when we want to give up and burnout. Encouragement allows us to not be overwhelmed by the pains of life. Encouragement is necessary in our walk of faith. Encouragement makes it easier for believers to love as Jesus loves. Encouragement makes it easier to put others before ourselves.Encouragement breeds patience and kindness.
So, encourage one another, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, remind one other of the truth of God’s love. Encouragement allows us to experience life more abundantly.