Pastor Lawson Perdue

Did you know you can strengthen your faith by encouraging others in Christ? I love doing things that produce good results, and encouraging others in Christ gets good results! We never know when our words of encouragement can make a difference and help someone continue their calling when they are tempted to quit. Everyone needs encouragement and life-giving words spoken over them. In the Bible, we see that even the boldest ministers of the Gospel were uplifted through someone’s words of encouragement.

When the apostle Paul was in prison, he wrote a letter to Philemon, a friend and fellow laborer of Paul’s, pointing out how Philemon’s encouragement refreshed him. Philemon 1:7 says, “For we have great joy and encouragement on account of your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed through you, brother.” Think of all the hardships Paul endured as he preached the Gospel. Philemon had received God’s love in his own life and he shared that love with others through his words and actions. He might not have realized his words’ impact on Paul, but the letter Paul wrote acknowledged how Philemon’s encouragement had impacted him and his ministry.

Let’s look at some other Bible verses about encouraging others.
So comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24–25

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace to the listeners. Ephesians 4:29

After reading those positive, encouraging Bible verses, you can see the importance of speaking life-giving words to encourage one another. Words are powerful, and we must choose our words carefully because everything we say brings life or death to someone (Proverbs 18:21). As Christ-followers, we must imitate Jesus, who spoke what the Father told Him (John 12:49–50). We are wise when we talk to others in a way that honors God and follows the Bible. Philippians 4:8 gives a list of things to think about. Still, it also is an excellent list of types of encouraging things to say to someone: Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.

Maybe you were brought up in a critical and judgmental environment and struggled with how to encourage someone with words. When you don’t know what to say to someone, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to encourage them and speak through you. The Bible provides a great source of encouragement to pass along to others. Meditate on the Word of God and then speak words of mercy, grace, peace, life, faith, and blessings—watch what God will do in that person’s life!

You can encourage someone with words, but you can also encourage someone with actions. Showing grace to someone can really encourage them. What does it mean to give someone grace? As believers, we have all received the grace of God. We need to share with others the grace we have received ourselves. If it weren’t for Jesus, we would all be lost. We are all saved by grace. Just like we need grace, we need to give grace.

Proverbs 11:25 declares that whoever waters others shall be watered himself. My wife, Barbara, has been praying this scripture over me, and it is amazing how the blessing flows. When we are gracious to others, that graciousness will eventually be reaped in our own lives. Encouraging others is a win-win situation!

As you seek to encourage others, find encouragement and strengthen your faith by checking out the free digital downloads available through charischristiancenter.com. Pastor Lawson Perdue has many teaching series that will encourage you:

Abundant Living – This series explores the abundant life that Jesus gives through salvation: complete wholeness that includes forgiveness, healing, freedom, provision, and peace.
Destined to Win – This series from the book of Ephesians shows that we are no longer fighting to be overcomers; we are made victorious through Jesus, and any weapon formed against us will not prosper!
Unspeakable Joy – This series explores how heaven is joyful, how joy lives inside believers, and how faith in God overcomes life’s trials.