We Need It: Encouragement

All Scriptures in parenthesis are shared below the devotion.

“As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.” Psalm 138:3  

God's encouragement is a wonderful, wonderful blessing:

1. When we feel overwhelmed and discouraged.

(Psalm 10:17; Psalm 119:28; Psalm 138:3-above)

 

2. When we need understanding or correction. 

Yes, encouragement sometimes includes loving rebuke! 

(Colossians 2:2-3; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Titus 2:15) 

We find encouragement from: 

1. God's Word.

(Romans 15:4-6; Titus 1:9)

 

2. Godly Christian leaders.

(Acts 15:32; 2 Corinthians 7:6) 

Paul’s example is especially sweet: “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

3. Fellow believers.

(Romans 1:11-12; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 2:1-2) 

Christ is our motivation: “He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11 

Some people actually have the gift of encouragement (Romans 12:6-8). 

Why not ask God to show you someone you can encourage today? Those who encourage others are themselves encouraged!(1)

💙Beyond 1-minute for those who want more:

(1) “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 

 

While this verse is typically applied to being generous with money, it's a principle that goes beyond that. It's always a good idea to take our focus off ourselves and focus on others. See Beatin' the Blues and Biblical Cure for Low and High Self-Esteem.

Enjoy these encouraging Bible verses. Why not memorize one this week?

God encourages us:

1. When we feel overwhelmed and discouraged.

Psalm 119:28: "My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word." (NIV)  "I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word." (NLT)  

Psalm 10:17: "You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry."

2. When we need understanding and correction.

Colossians 2:2-3: "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

Thessalonians 5:14: "And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone."

Hebrews 3:13: "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." 

Titus 2:15: "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." 

Sources of encouragement:

1. God's Word.

Romans 15:4-6: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Titus 1:9: "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." 

2. Godly Christian leaders.

Acts 15:32: "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers."

2 Corinthians 7:6: "But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus." 

3. Fellow believers.

Romans 1:11-12: "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."

2 Corinthians 13:11: "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Philippians 2:1-2: "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." 

Some people have the gift of encouragement:

Romans 12:6-8: "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."

Bible Love Notes