Why should you encourage others? Here are three reasons to do so.
1. The “God of encouragement” made you in His image.
He intended for you to reflect Him to the world around you:
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus” (Rom. 15:5).
What’s holding you back from imitating and “imaging” your Father, the God of encouragement?
2. Your encouragement is someone’s lifeline today.
Everyone needs encouragement—even leaders. The apostle Paul—the same guy who wrote at least thirteen books of the New Testament—wrote of a time he was desperately in need of encouragement:
“When we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more” (2 Cor. 7:5–7).
Who do you know who could use a good dose of encouragement right about now?
3. You have real perspective and hope to offer.
It’s too easy in this dark world to start living like Jesus is just a fanciful idea rather than our soon-to-appear King. The end is in sight. The best is yet to come. That ought to change the way we think and live right now. That’s why, for ten whole verses, Paul reminds believers that Jesus is coming back soon. He concludes,
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thess. 5:11).
How could the truth that Jesus is returning soon encourage your friend in what they’re facing right now?
I’d love to hear your answers to these three questions. Then, check back next week for ideas of specific ways to encourage others.
Paula (Hendricks) Marsteller is a compassionate, bold Christian communicator offering you gospel hope, thought-provoking questions, and practical help along the way.
