What Does the Bible Say About Encouragement?

We all need encouragement.  For those of us who are Christians, we should be seeking guidance for our lives in the Bible.  So I went to God’s Word to answer the following question. What does the Bible say about encouragement?  I found some really great scriptures and I can’t wait to share them with you.  

You will note that all of my scriptures come from the King James Bible.  I learned about God the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the King James.  This version is also the only version that our Pastor teaches and preaches from. So rather than label each verse as KJV, I thought I would put it all out there right from the get-go.  

What does encouragement mean? 

Lexico defines encouragement as the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.  In thinking about the time when I was sick and healing from my illness and amputations, family support was providing encouragement.  In fact they always do.  I knew that my family and friends all over the country were praying for me, so that gave me hope.

The fact that hundreds of prayers were being said on my behalf gave me hope that I would get well, because I know that prayers work.  Prayers are one of the greatest ways to encourage others.  I love to pray for people and I am always encouraged when others pray for me.

Ideas for how to encourage others 

Think about different ways to encourage others.  I look at providing encouragement as different ways to lift someone’s spirits or supporting them in their efforts to get through the day or accomplish a goal.

• • Give a pep talk when someone’s confidence is down.  

  • Praise a child when they are doing well in school.

  • Cook a nice meal for your spouse after a long day at work.

  • Visit with a sick friend.

  • Let someone know you are praying for them.

  • Reward your pet after a job well done.

  • In the blogging world, positive comments after a blog post or a social media post is always welcomed.

These are just a few examples of ways to encourage others.  But I think you get my point. I see encouragement as anything that makes someone smile or any way that you can show love.  If it prompts you to say thank you, it’s probably an encouraging action.

What does the Bible say about encouragement provided by others during hard times?

God is our go-to when we fall on hard times.  But it’s imperative that we lean on our family and brothers and sisters in Christ to be lifted up as well.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”  This is just one instance where scripture tells us to edify one another, or build up, rather than discourage or bring down.  

Roman’s 14:19 also says “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”  It seems as if there is so much negativity in the world. Why must we show hatred and harm to each other? Our job is to build others up, not tear them down.  We need to put more effort into learning how to encourage others every single day.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”  In other words, to stir up one another to love and good works. In these verses,we are instructed to attend church services so that we can encourage each other as the times of persecution grow near.  

We need our church brethren and the love and support they provide.  So many times, we attend church on Sunday mornings and that’s it. But God wants our church family to be just that, family.  I’m so thankful that we have that in our home church. 

We are family.  Many times we fellowship together outside of services.  We pray for each other and comfort one another in times of hardship.  I know that at any given time, I can call on anyone in my church and they will be there for me.  We learn how to encourage others and we share our love with each other.  That provides us with all of the encouragement that we need. That would not be the case if we didn’t assemble together regularly like we are told to in Hebrews.

The importance of encouragement in life

Roman’s 1:11-12 says “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” Paul is writing to strengthen the Christians in Rome.  He’s reminding them of how to encourage others by their mutual faith.  In other words, your faith comforts me, and I can encourage you with mine.  Isn’t that awesome?

Think about someone who has a super strong faith.  One of my closest friends has gone through some pretty serious health issues during the last couple of years.  But her story of faith and healing has not only lifted my family and I, but she’s been a huge source of encouragement to our entire church.  I like to think that she gained a huge dose of comfort from her church family too.  I think that this is a great example of answering the question, what does the Bible say about encouraging others? Paul is reminding us about the importance of encouragement in life, not only for us but for others as well.  

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”  I love this verse! It tells me that even though there is pain in my trials, the experience enables me to be a better source of comfort to others.  

I think that is why so many of you, my dear readers, and those in my Women Living Exceptionally with Joy and Jesus Facebook group gain so much from me.  We also gain comfort from each other. I’ve been through so much. And through that, my experiences make me a great source of comfort and inspiration to all of you as well.  If you want help with how to encourage others, and you haven’t yet joined the group, simply click the link and answer a few questions to be approved. 

Related Post:  15 Powerful Verses About Encouraging Others

What does the Bible say about encouragement by God?

No matter what type of trial we go through, the following scriptures remind us that God is with us.  He is there to comfort us, in whatever situation we get into. How can you not feel encouraged by that?

Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”  

Joshua 1:9 “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

Matthew 11:28 reminds us to “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Rest is something we all need during our most difficult struggles. But far too often we fight against our demons instead of letting God fight those battles for us. In this verse, Jesus it telling us to hand over those burdens we carry to Him and He will give us rest.  This is simply a matter of faith. I know we all struggle with faith from time to time. But if you need help, visit How to Grow your Faith in God and 10 Ways to Learn How to Trust God Completely for some ideas. There is supposed to be tribulation in this world. But by leaning on the Lord, we'll find the strength that we need to get through our trials. #biblicalencouragement #growinfaith Share on X

In John 16:33  we are reminded that “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  This verse is such a comfort to me. Jesus overcame death on the cross, burial for three days and resurrection. He is sitting at the right hand of God right now.  Jesus has overcome the world. 

That should encourage us that we will overcome this life too, if we have accepted Jesus’s free gift of salvation.  If you still need salvation, you’ll find some scriptures called the Roman Road in my growing your faith post.  

John 16:33 also reminds us that in this life that we will struggle.  There is supposed to be tribulation in this world. But by leaning on the Lord, we’ll find the strength that we need to get through our trials.  Don’t try and go through it alone. Jesus provides rest and comfort if we let Him. I don’t know of any better way of providing encouragement than that. Do you?

What does the Bible say about encouragement at the appearance of Christ?

1 Peter 1:6-7 says “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

We are tested in order to grow our faith.  So glory in those trials, which are much more precious than gold.  Because at the appearing of Jesus, you will be rewarded. What a blessing that will be!

Creative ways to encourage others

Are you curious about how to encourage others?  Simply show them you love them. You will never regret being kind. Even on those days when it’s a struggle, show your kindness.  So if you are looking for some creative ways to encourage others, here are some great ideas.

 

• • Offer to pray for them

  • Help with a project that needs to be done, like grocery shopping or raking leaves

  • Cook them a meal, or some baked goods

  • Write them a note of gratitude

  • Make a phone call 

  • Offer to simply listen

  • Give them a small gift

  • Tell them how much you appreciate them

  • Give them a hug

  • Smile at them

  • Show kindness in everything you do

  • Give flowers

  • Give them a pep talk when they’re feeling down or discouraged

  • Buy them lunch

  • Give a compliment

  • Listen to them

For more creative ways of providing encouragement to others, here are 105 of the Best Random Acts of Kindness.  It’s great to encourage strangers too. Because you never know when someone needs a boost in their day.  I think that when you seek to encourage and inspire everywhere you go, you will be a great blessing to others. 

I know that these 10 scriptures barely scratch the surface of answering our initial question.  So what does the Bible say about encouragement?  The Bible is a great resource of how to encourage others.  But it also provides the guidelines that you need no matter what trials you are facing.  Sometimes we forget that. But the more time we spend in God’s Word, the more we will find the importance of encouragement in life. You just have to be open and look.