Lifting others in spirit and courage through God's truth and love.
Encouragement: Lifting Hearts by the Power of God
Encouragement is not a sentimental extra in the Christian life; it is a vital ministry of the Holy Spirit, rooted in the nature of God Himself. Biblically, encouragement is a spiritual force that strengthens, stabilizes, and propels believers into the will of God with courage and faith.
1. The Biblical Definition of Encouragement
New Testament Words
The main New Testament word for “encourage” is παρακαλέω (parakaleō). It has a rich range of meanings:
To call alongside
To exhort
To comfort
To strengthen
To urge, appeal, or entreat
It is related to παράκλητος (paraklētos), translated “Helper,” “Comforter,” “Advocate” (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This is the title Jesus gives to the Holy Spirit. So, encouragement is not merely emotional support; it is a Spirit-empowered strengthening that comes from God drawing near and calling us to stand, believe, and obey.
Another important word is οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō) – “to build up, edify” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy, Paul says, is for “edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB). Encouragement is therefore:
Edification – building up what is weak or incomplete
Exhortation – stirring to action and obedience
Consolation – comforting in distress
Old Testament Roots
In the Old Testament, several Hebrew words carry the idea of encouragement:
חָזַק (chazaq) – to strengthen, make firm, fortify, encourage (Deuteronomy 31:6–7; Joshua 1:6–9).
אָמַץ (amats) – to be strong, courageous, bold (Joshua 1:7, 9).
נָחַם (nacham) – to comfort, console (Isaiah 40:1).
Biblically, then, encouragement is God’s strengthening presence and word, imparted to His people to:
Replace fear with courage
Replace despair with hope
Replace weakness with strength
Replace passivity with obedient faith
Encouragement is not flattery or denial of reality; it is truth-filled strengthening in the presence and promises of God.
2. Old Testament Foundation
Encouragement is woven into the story of Israel from the beginning. God repeatedly speaks courage into His people in the face of impossible circumstances.
a) Moses and Joshua – Strength for Leadership
When Israel was about to enter the Promised Land, God knew they would face giants, fortified cities, and warfare. So He commanded:
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (NASB)
Then Moses personally encouraged Joshua:
“Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous…’”
— Deuteronomy 31:7
Later, the Lord Himself speaks directly to Joshua:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9
Here we see the pattern of biblical encouragement:
God’s presence – “I am with you.”
God’s promise – “I will not fail you or forsake you.”
God’s command – “Be strong and courageous.”
Encouragement is not “You’re strong enough.” It is “God is with you, therefore be strong.”
b) The Prophets – Comfort in Affliction
Israel’s sin led to judgment and exile, but even in discipline, God spoke encouragement:
“Comfort, O comfort My people,” says your God.
— Isaiah 40:1
The Hebrew nacham here means to comfort, console, bring relief. How does God comfort?
By reminding them of His greatness (Isaiah 40:12–31).
By promising restoration and redemption (Isaiah 41:10; 43:1–3).
Encouragement is anchored in who God is and what He has promised, not in changing circumstances.
c) David – Strengthened in the Lord
In one of David’s darkest moments, when his own men spoke of stoning him after their families were taken captive, Scripture says:
“But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”
— 1 Samuel 30:6
The word “strengthened” (chazaq) shows that encouragement can be self-applied in the presence of God. David did not wait for someone else; he turned to God, remembered His covenant, and drew strength from Him.
3. The Fulfillment in Christ
Jesus is the ultimate encourager because He is the perfect revelation of the Father’s heart and the One who sends the Holy Spirit, the Paraklētos.
a) Jesus’ Ministry – Words That Strengthen Faith
Jesus consistently spoke words that lifted people out of fear and into faith:
To the paralytic: “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2).
To the woman with the issue of blood: “Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22).
To the disciples in the storm: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).
To His disciples before the cross: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Notice the pattern: “Take courage” is always rooted in who He is (“It is I”) and what He has done (“I have overcome the world”).
b) Jesus the Good Shepherd
As the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), Jesus:
Knows His sheep
Speaks to His sheep
Leads His sheep
Encouragement flows from His shepherding heart. He does not crush the weak:
“A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish.”
— Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20
Instead, He restores, strengthens, and heals.
c) The Promise of the Helper
Jesus explicitly connects His departure with the coming of the Paraklētos:
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper [Paraklētos] will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
— John 16:7
The Holy Spirit continues the ministry of Jesus in and through believers. The same Jesus who said, “Take courage,” now speaks by His Spirit through the Word, through inner witness, and through the gifts of the Spirit.
4. The Power for Today: Encouragement by the Holy Spirit
This is not merely a doctrine; it is a present, supernatural reality. The Holy Spirit is actively encouraging, strengthening, and emboldening believers today—and He desires to do it through you.
The One who strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).
The One who testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16).
He does not only comfort our emotions; He imparts power:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses…”
— Acts 1:8
Encouragement is part of that power: boldness to witness, courage to obey, strength to endure.
b) Encouragement Through the Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are channels of divine encouragement:
Prophecy – “one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3).
Word of knowledge / word of wisdom – reveal God’s heart and strategy in difficult situations.
Gifts of healing and miracles – demonstrate God’s compassion and power, lifting people from despair to faith.
When you move in the gifts, you are not merely “being spiritual”; you are releasing supernatural encouragement that can change destinies.
c) The Ministry of Exhortation
Romans 12:6–8 lists “exhortation” as a distinct grace gift:
“He who exhorts, in his exhortation…” (Romans 12:8).
Some believers are specially anointed to stir others to faith, obedience, and perseverance. But all believers are called to participate:
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
— Hebrews 3:13
This is a spiritual safeguard. Regular, Spirit-filled encouragement protects hearts from hardness, deception, and backsliding.
d) Supernatural Boldness in the Early Church
After Peter and John were threatened, the church prayed—not for safety, but for boldness:
“And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.”
— Acts 4:31
The result of being filled with the Spirit was boldness—courage in the face of opposition. This is encouragement at a corporate level: the whole church emboldened by the Spirit.
e) Expecting God to Move
Encouragement is not mere positive thinking; it is faith in a God who acts:
He answers prayer (Mark 11:24; John 14:13–14).
He heals the sick (James 5:14–16; Mark 16:17–18).
He delivers the oppressed (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38).
He provides in need (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33).
When we encourage others, we are not just saying, “It will be okay.” We are saying, “God is faithful. Let’s believe Him together, right now.” We should expect the Holy Spirit to confirm the word with inner peace, renewed strength, and often visible answers.
5. Practical Application: Walking in Encouragement
Here are concrete steps to both receive and minister encouragement in the power of the Spirit.
1. Anchor Your Heart Daily in God’s Word
Encouragement begins with receiving it from God.
Meditate on Scriptures that reveal God’s character, promises, and faithfulness.
Speak the Word aloud over your life (Joshua 1:8; Romans 10:17).
Example: Start your day with passages like Psalm 27, Isaiah 40, Romans 8. Declare:
“God is for me, not against me (Romans 8:31). He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).”
As you do this consistently, the Holy Spirit will write courage on your heart.
2. Ask to Be Filled (and Refilled) with the Holy Spirit
Encouragement is not sustained by willpower; it is sustained by the Spirit’s power.
Pray specifically: “Lord Jesus, fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. Strengthen me in my inner man. Give me boldness, faith, and love.”
Expect God to answer (Luke 11:13; Ephesians 5:18).
As you are filled, you will notice:
Greater boldness to speak truth.
Greater compassion for the hurting.
Greater sensitivity to the Spirit’s promptings to encourage others.
3. Practice Spirit-Led Encouragement Daily
Make encouragement a deliberate ministry:
Ask the Holy Spirit: “Who can I encourage today? What do You want to say to them?”
Share a Scripture, a testimony, a prophetic word, or a simple affirmation grounded in truth.
Be specific: “I see God’s grace in you in this area…” or “I believe God is strengthening you to do…”
Do this in your home, church, workplace, and online. You will be amazed how often the Spirit will give you exactly the right word at the right time (Proverbs 25:11).
4. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord in Times of Battle
When you face discouragement:
Turn to God, not inward – Pour out your heart to Him (Psalm 62:8).
Remember His past faithfulness – Rehearse testimonies (Psalm 77:11–12).
Declare His promises – Speak them over your situation.
Pray in the Spirit – Let the Holy Spirit build you up (Jude 20; 1 Corinthians 14:4).
Like David, you can “strengthen yourself in the LORD your God” (1 Samuel 30:6). This is not denial of pain; it is choosing to let God’s truth have the final word.
5. Cultivate a Culture of Encouragement in Your Community
Encouragement is most powerful when it becomes normal in the body of Christ.
In your church or small group, intentionally share testimonies of God’s goodness.
Make room for prophetic encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:1, 3).
Obey Hebrews 10:24–25: “stimulate one another to love and good deeds… encouraging one another.”
As you do, the atmosphere shifts: fear gives way to faith, passivity to obedience, and isolation to unity.
6. Key Scriptures on Encouragement (with Brief Commentary)
1. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Encouragement here is a command grounded in God’s presence. We are not victims of our emotions; we are called to respond in faith because God is with us.
2. Isaiah 41:10
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God Himself is the source of strength. Encouragement is not “try harder,” but “I will strengthen you… I will help you.”
3. John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus does not deny tribulation; He overrules it by His victory. Our courage is rooted in His finished work.
4. Acts 9:31
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.”
“Comfort” here is paraklēsis – encouragement. The growth of the early church was directly connected to the ongoing encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
5. Romans 15:5
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.”
God is called “the God who gives… encouragement.” Encouragement is not human optimism; it is a gift from God that produces unity and Christlike thinking.
6. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
“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 affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God comforts us so that we can comfort others. Every trial you endure with God’s help equips you to become a channel of encouragement to others.
7. Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
Daily encouragement is a spiritual defense against the hardening effect of sin and deception. This is not optional; it is vital for perseverance.
Encouragement, biblically understood, is a supernatural strengthening that flows from the heart of the Father, revealed in the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit. It is both a gift to receive and a ministry to give. As you anchor yourself in God’s Word, yield to the Holy Spirit, and open your mouth in faith, you will become a vessel through whom God lifts, strengthens, and emboldens many in these last days.