“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness,” (Heb. 3:13).

In the world we live in, it is easy to become discouraged. In fact, listening to any of the news outlets can promote discouragement in the listener because most of it is negative and hopeless. That’s a good reason to stop listening to it so much. And with so much negativity in the world, it’s an opportune time to be an encourager.

Encouragement defined

Encourage: to inspire to fill with courage or strength of purpose— stimulate, embolden, reinforce, hearten, inspirit, reassure, bear up, buck up, strengthen, invigorate, assure, enliven, buoy (up).

The Bible states it this way

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Prov. 16:24)

Bible examples of encouragement

·      God encouraged Joshua

Moses had just died, and Joshua was about to assume the difficult role of following in Moses’s footsteps and leading the constantly grumbling group into the promised land. It was already occupied and had giants and many fierce battles ahead. He felt discouraged. But God encouraged him with instructions and strong promises.

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. . . . Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:5-9)

·      Jesus encouraged His followers

Jesus did not avoid telling His followers the truth about the troubles they would face. He told them the world would hate them (John 15:18-21; see also Matt. 10:22-23 and 2 Cor. 2:15-16). But He followed His prediction regarding the negative things to come with a word of encouragement: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

·       Joseph encouraged everyone

A man named Joseph was given the nickname “Barnabas,” which means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He was a blessing to the believers of his day! Through the encouragement of Barnabas, the apostle Paul was first accepted by the church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). And Mark was given a second chance after an abject failure (Acts 13:13; 15:39).

Therefore

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thes. 5:11 ESV)