Romans 12:4-8
‘For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.’
Can you guess how many times the word ‘encourage’ is used in the Bible? The answer is 54 times (depending on the translation), and ‘encouragement’ is mentioned on 32 occasions. The spiritual gift of encouragement is included in the list found in Romans 12:8. The Greek verb used is ‘parakalein’ which means to come alongside, comfort, exhort or encourage; and you may be aware that the Greek noun used for the Holy Spirit comes from the same root: ‘Paraclete’ – the one who comes alongside us, comforts us, inspires and equips us and spurs us on.
So, encouragement is not a soft, fluffy concept. Instead, for followers of Jesus it is a gift that can change lives and change our world. It’s more than a compliment: ‘Your hair looks nice today … you’re a great pianist’. True spiritual encouragement builds up another person or a community of believers in their faith.
We encourage through our words, prayers, written communications and through the time we spend together:
‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing’
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)
In much of his writing, Paul encouraged the early Christians to be encouragers because he understood the power of this gift to maintain and progress the Christian fellowship.
The Bible tells us we can all be encouragers, though some people are given special tasks or become known for their spiritual gift of encouragement.
Moses was commanded to encourage Joshua who would be the leader to take the Israelites into the Promised Land:
‘But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it’
(Deuteronomy 1:38).
Barnabas became known as a
‘son of encouragement’
(Acts 4:36)
because of his actions, including helping Paul into his leadership ministry within the Church. He was a spiritual cheerleader with a deeply rooted faith.
We are all called to encourage, and we can cultivate this spiritual gift. So how do we get started?
- Pray for God to make you an encourager.
- Check out the life of Barnabas in the Bible. What can he teach us?
- Make encouragement a daily discipline. Maybe set a reminder on the mobile phone or a note on the fridge to encourage someone in their faith.
- Pray asking God to show you who you can encourage.
- Regularly encourage your corps/church leaders.
- Make a list of Bible verses that encourage you personally.
What a wonderful thing that we can be a part of the Body of Christ and build each other up! Go on! Encourage someone today!
PRAYER
Loving Lord Jesus, thank you for being a relentless source of comfort and strength.
On the dark, difficult and desolate days, we raise our eyes to you, our encourager and champion. Your throne is where our help comes from.
May we never be selfish with that encouragement and that strength. Instead may we be generous with our words and our support for those around us.
Make us swift to cheer others on and to call out what is good in one another. Amen.
