The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Oxford defines encouragement as “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
God emphasizes and speaks to the importance of encouragement throughout the entire Bible.
God has a purpose and plan for each and every one of us. This world will put up many barriers to keep us from fulfilling his plan. The enemy doesn’t even want to acknowledge God’s purpose for us, he want us to believe we have no real purpose.
The Bible says:
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Encouraging others helps ensure their strength and confidence in their individual spiritual walk, and is an essential part of every believer’s purpose.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
God equips us with the tools we need to encourage and support others when they are going through hard times.
Encouragement is exactly the opposite of what the enemy wants for us. Satan certainly doesn’t wish for us to be supported, he wants us isolated. He doesn’t want us confident, as that’s when it’s easier for us to turn away from evil. And he never wants us to have hope, for hope is found in Christ!
But 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 NIV
Where would we be without hope? It’s so much easier to remain focused on the Lord when we are confident and strong in Him! He alone is our hope!
So our encouragement helps our brothers and sisters in their walk with Christ, and at the same time keeps us focused on Him.
Remember – HOPE has a name – Jesus!
Encourage others always!
Barnabas
Special thanks for this guest submission by Barnabas.