ENCOURAGEMENT

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God – 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

God is the Master Motivator and the Exemplary Encourager! Encouragement refers to words, behaviour or actions that give someone confidence to do something; the act of giving support, courage, buoyancy or hope. Within “encouragement” is the word “courage” which is the ability to face danger and deal with it without fear. The Greek word for “encourage” – parakaleo – appears more than a hundred times in the New Testament. Encouragement includes, but is more than, appreciating, complementing or praising others. It is not just about saying nice things to others to make them feel good about themselves. It is also about helping others to develop something of value in them.

Encouragement means calling someone to your side in order to teach, comfort, strengthen or motivate them to act in a certain way. Words with similar meaning include: admonish, exhort, implore or warn, as often used in Paul’s letters. True encouragers communicate with love what others need to hear, when they need to hear it – even if it isn’t what they want to hear. For example, Paul encouraged the Ephesians to walk worthy of their calling, in humility, gentleness, and patience, and to remain unified in love (Eph.4:1-3). Many times we may need to be encouraged to get back in line with God’s will; to believe His Word; or to practise His precepts. Encouraging means telling people what they need to hear in order to bring about a change in belief, feeling or action; but doing so in the spirit of love, grace, and wisdom.

God gave Moses the unique assignment to mentor and encourage Joshua, who was to take over the baton of leadership: “Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. ENCOURAGE him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it” (Dt.1:38); “But command Joshua, and ENCOURAGE him and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you will see” (Dt.3:28). Encouragement can be Intrinsic or Extrinsic, depending on whether it is generated from within a person or coming from an external source. David demonstrated a powerful example of Intrinsic encouragement: “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David ENCOURAGED HIMSELF in the LORD his God” (1Sam.30:6). Encouraged, he was revived to pursue the enemies, overtake them and recover all.

Discouragement is a thief. It steals contentment, peace, joy, vitality, and zeal. It attracts bitterness, despair, doubt, depression, fatigue, self-pity, hurt, and hopelessness. It derives from spiritual and mental blindness. It is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for yesterday’s blessings, indifference to today’s opportunities, and insecurity regarding tomorrow’s promises. Discouragement is obliviousness of the presence of God, unconcern for the needs of others, and unbelief in the promises of His Word. Discouragement could arise in many ways, including: setbacks and disappointment; loss of initial excitement, as the glow rubs off in the grind; delays that dampen the spirit; criticisms, threats, and outside opposition; and inside oppositions, such as pessimism, comparisons, and unrealistic expectations; and faulty perspectives of success.

Whatever may be the cause of discouragement, God understands, cares, and will intervene with matching encouragement. You have the Body of Christ to edify you; God's Word to teach you; and the indwelling Holy Spirit to warm your soul. As you keep your eyes on Jesus, you are eternally connected to the Fountain of Encouragement. The Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort will encourage you well enough for you to become a Vessel of Encouragement to others (2 Cor.1:3-5).