Encouragement is vitally important for Christians according to the Bible for several reasons:
1. Encouragement helps sustain faith
Faith can be difficult to maintain in a fallen world filled with trials and persecution. We all go through times of spiritual weakness where our faith wavers. Encouragement from fellow believers helps strengthen and sustain our faith during these challenging times. As Hebrews 3:13 (ESV) says, “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” We need the mutual encouragement of the Body of Christ to persevere in faith.
2. Encouragement motivates us to love and good deeds
It’s easy to become discouraged and stop doing good works. But words of encouragement motivate us to continue expressing Christ’s love to others through acts of service and compassion. The author of Hebrews recognized this: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV). Our actions often reflect our attitudes; encouragement produces gratitude, joy and enthusiasm that spur us on in doing good.
3. Encouragement promotes spiritual growth
Spiritual growth is difficult without encouragement. Encouragement creates an atmosphere where people feel safe being open about their struggles in order to receive counsel and prayer. This fosters spiritual growth as believers confess sins to one another and build each other up. The Apostle Paul knew this firsthand, confessing: “Nevertheless, brothers, I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder…that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:15-16 ESV). Encouragement aids spiritual growth in community.
4. Encouragement comforts those experiencing trials
All Christians go through painful trials which can leave them feeling abandoned or in despair if not comforted. God uses our encouragement to remind others they are not alone in their suffering. The Apostle Paul expressed this to the Corinthian church: “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Corinthians 1:5 ESV). He also told the Thessalonians: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV). Our encouragement brings real comfort in trials.
5. Encouragement inspires unity in the church
Unity among believers is very important to Christ. Unfortunately, Christians still struggle to maintain unity due to imperfections and sin. Words of encouragement help unify believers by reminding them of Christ’s desire for unity. As Paul encouraged the Roman church: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5 ESV). Encouragement focuses our attention on Christ, binding us together.
6. Encouragement shares the burden of other’s weaknesses
We all have weaknesses, but encouragement from fellow believers helps ease the burden. Paul teaches this to the Galatians: “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness…Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2 ESV). Encouragement has a restorative role in bearing the weaknesses of struggling saints.
7. Encouragement inspires worship and gratitude
The Bible instructs believers to worship God together and express gratitude. This is accomplished through the encouragement believers offer during corporate worship as they testify about God’s work in their lives. The author of Hebrews commanded: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV). Our encouragement inspires communal worship.
8. Encouragement produces joy and peace
Encouragement fills believers with the joy and peace that comes from unity in Christ. Encouragement reminds us of our shared promises and blessings found in Christ. Paul describes this blessing to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13 ESV). Our encouragement produces supernatural joy and peace in each other.
9. Encouragement propagates the Gospel
The Gospel shines bright when believers encourage each other and testify to God’s work in their lives. Our Christ-centered unity and love for one another gives credibility to the message of salvation we proclaim to the lost. Jesus knew this when He prayed to the Father: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one…so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:20-21 ESV). So encouragement impacts unbelievers too.
10. Encouragement prepares us for eternity
This world is not our home; we eagerly await Christ’s return when He will usher us into eternity with Him. In the meantime, encouragement keeps us focused on this eternal hope. Believers are instructed to use encouragement to prepare themselves and others for Christ’s return. As 1 Thessalonians 4:18 (ESV) urges: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” Our encouragement fixes eyes on eternity.
In summary, encouragement powerfully sustains believers in every aspect of faith as evident throughout Scripture. It fulfills Christ’s call for us to love one another through exhortation, comfort, and mutual edification. Encouragement is a simple but profound way that God infuses His grace into the lives of His children.
