“If you want to practice being an encourager begin to build others up. Encourage and motivate the weak, and be there to console and comfort those who are grieving.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 19, 2025
So, encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Friends, we live in a broken world, and life can be cruel sometimes. One day, you could be going along without a care in the world when you receive a bad report from the doctor, or you’re called into your boss’s office only to find out your job is being eliminated. Life can be tricky, and God knew we would need help and reassurance. The Bible emphasizes how important building one another up in the faith is. Jesus told his followers they would face trials of many kinds in this life, and then he turned around and encouraged them by saying, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Perhaps you know someone—a friend or a co-worker—who seems to have the gift of encouragement. They always know the right thing to say at just the right time. An encourager is not only a person who knows what to say, but they also know what to do. They will stand beside you during a challenging time, comforting you and advocating for you with others. In Hebrews 3:13, we are told to “encourage one another daily.”
When we encourage one another in Christ, I’m not referring to a casual comment like telling someone how great their new haircut looks or telling them they make the best lasagna this side of Rome. Biblical encouragement may be sending a note to someone with a scripture verse they can hold on to as a promise God will be with them through the challenging moments. Encouragement may look like calling a friend who needs some faith-filled words of hope spoken over them. When we think of Jesus’ words, we have an excellent foundation for encouragement. Sometimes, it is best to just share those words and not try to make up our own!
The Bible tells us that the apostles gave Barnabas (originally born Joseph) this name, which literally means “son of encouragement.” His kindness, gentleness, generosity, and compassion toward others earned him the name. Barnabas would see a need and find a way to fulfill it, going so far as to sell everything he had to give to the church.
If you want to practice being an encourager, begin by building others up. Encourage and motivate the weak, and be there to console and comfort those who are grieving. Let us each strive to be more of a Barnabas in a Paul world.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (Romans 15:5).
Prayer
Jesus, help us to be sons and daughters of encouragement. Give us discernment to know when someone needs a kind and gentle word from you to help them along the way.
Application
Take a moment and reach out to someone who needs a word of encouragement today.
Related Reading
Isaiah 43:2; Deuteronomy 31:8; Colossians 2:2; Romans 1:11-12
Worship Resource
Love and the Outcome: He is With Us
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
