Why Bible Verses About Encouragement?
God is aware of the ways in which sin has altered our nature. He is aware of our need for encouragement and has provided us with an abundance of Bible promises to help us when we are discouraged.
Bible promises give us comfort and encourage us to walk with the Lord.
God also values mutual encouragement among his people, and in a number of verses, he encourages us to do so.
In this post, we will look at the 13 bible verses about encouraging others in the Lord, with explanations.
The Bible contains accounts of people who faced discouragements. David is one such example. When King Saul learned that Samuel had anointed David as king, he resolved to eliminate David in order to prevent him from ascending to the throne.
Saul pursued David night and day seeking an opportunity to kill him.
When David discovered this, he sought refuge in caves and, on occasion, foreign lands to evade Saul.
During this time, David was so discouraged that he considered quitting.
David wrote the following during this trying time:
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. (Psalm 69:20, KJV)
David turned to God for deliverance in his moment of need.
We too must learn to turn to God and His promises instead of trusting in the failing arm of man. And what better way to show our trust in God than to encourage one another daily with encouraging Bible verses?
Before we look at Bible verses for encouraging and strengthening others, let us consider why we need encouragement in the first place.
The Sources of Discouragement
There are internal and external sources of discouragement.
Our sinful nature, which is frail and prone to discouragement, serves as an internal source of discouragement.
External sources of discouragement include people and things that exist outside of ourselves.
Regardless of the source, discouragements, difficulties, and hostility exist in every aspect of our lives.
Even our Chief Encourager, Jesus Christ, forewarned us in John 16:33 to prepare for a hostile world:
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NKJV)
There will be tribulation in our world, but we should not be discouraged because Christ’s victory assures us that we, too, can triumph through His power.
Importance of Encouragement
Why do we need encouragement? We need encouragement because it boosts our confidence, instills hope, and motivates us to achieve great results.
We are God’s Agents of Hope
In our hustle and bustle of life, we daily bump into people who need encouragement.
We may not be able to discern their needs, but speaking encouraging words to them may make their day brighter.
God calls us to be His agents of hope in an otherwise hopeless world. This is why the Bible instructs us to “speak a word in season to him that is weary.”
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. (Isaiah 50:4, NIV).
God gives us wisdom to choose the right words to say to someone who is tired and discouraged.
Hebrews 3:13 also exhorts Christ’s followers to “daily” encourage one another:
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13, NIV)
Encouragement Is Mutual
Encouragement is a mutual thing. Motivating others motivates you.
Our friends need us and we too need them. In the words of the Apostle Paul:
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (Romans 1:11-12, NKJV)
We can be confident that when we are discouraged, our friends will also come to our rescue.
An African proverbs aptly captures the human interdependence in the following words:
Doing good to others is doing good to yourself. Proverb
An African
While it is wrong to help others in the hope that they will help you, it is true that caring for others is, in most cases, also caring for oneself.
No man is an island.
We all need each other and this is the spirit of Ubuntu in its purest form. Be sure to check out our other article about eight ways we can uplift, strengthen, and encourage each other in the Lord.
The Need to Encourage Others
You may be wondering why we should encourage others. Nothing compares to the joy and fulfillment that comes from seeing other people’s lives transformed as a result of your encouragement.
That transformation alone is enough motivation to keep encouraging others..
There is also the temptation to think that other people’s discouragements are none of our business.
However, this is not the Christian way. According to the Bible, true discipleship entails being our brother’s keepers.
We are called to lay "down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:16).
God's love compels us to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).
The following are some of the best Bible verses about encouraging one another, along with their explanations.
Best 13 Bible Verses about Encouraging Others in the Lord, with Explanations
1. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
After teaching the doctrines of the resurrection of the dead and the second coming, Paul now makes a final appeal.
In his conclusion, he discusses what believers should do in the interim while they await the resurrection and the second coming of Christ.
The Thessalonians are to encourage, comfort, console, guard, and watch out for one another while they wait for the Lord.
Paul’s advice was timely because the Thessalonians, like other first-century Christians, were being persecuted by Jews and the Roman government.
The apostle Paul then exhorts the Thessalonians to “build one another up.” The phrase “build one another up” translates as “stir up,” “strengthen,” or “edify.”
Paul encouraged the to “build another up” by recounting the resurrection event and the hope of the Parousia (the second coming).
They were also to build each other up through prayer and supplication.
The phrase “even as you do” indicates that the Christians in Thessalonica were already encouraging one another.
Questions to Ponder:
How encouraging are your words?
Do you use your words to strengthen, encourage, and edify others?
2. Proverbs 16:24, KJV
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Words that are wholesome, comforting, and soothing are likened to honey combs.
Such words have a reviving effect on the soul and body as a whole.
A well-executed word breathes life to the soul of the hearer.
Such fitting words preserve, strengthen, and bring healing to the bones.
Questions to Ponder:
Do your words bring healing and strength to those with whom you interact?
What can you do to speak words that uplift the spirits of those who come into contact with you?
3. Proverbs 12:25, NKJV
Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
The word of the Lord in Proverbs 12:25 states that “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression.”
This is very true. Excessive anxiety has a negative impact on our spiritual health.
Anxiety saps our confidence and ability to fulfill our God-given mission.
The verse continues to state that, “But a good word makes it glad.”
This is also very true. Comforting words relieves and gladdens the soul.
Encouraging words are potent with healing power and they make the heart glad.
The psalmist found solace in the Lord in the midst of his anxieties. He writes:
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” Psalm 94:19.
We will also find comfort and delight in the Lord.
Questions to Ponder:
Is anyone in your circle of friends suffering from anxiety or stress?
Reach out to him or her and speak “a good word” to make his or her heart glad.
4. Hebrews 10:24, NLT
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
We must think of new ways to stimulate one another to love and do good on a daily basis.
Our words must instill hope in the hearts of others every day.
Our love for one another should inspire us to encourage others to be generous, content, and compassionate.
Questions to Ponder:
Do you constantly think about new ways to motivate others to love and do good?
5. Ephesians 4:29, ESV
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear
There is no corrupt communication that comes out of your mouth until you “let” it out. You have the will and the ability to control your words.
In Ephesians 4:29, “corrupt communication” refers to indecent or debasing speech. Evil desires, lusts, bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, and provocation are all fueled by talk.
Corrupt talk is the intentional use of language to corrupt the mind and morals.
According to Christ, the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart (Mark 7:20-23).
This means that if our hearts are corrupted, our words will be corrupted as well. The reason for this is that our mouths are controlled by our hearts or minds. As a result, we must be careful about what we feed our minds.
Instead of corrupting talk, our conversation should be “only such as is good for building up.”
Our words should be instruments of edifying and building each other up.
Words that edify are characterized by virtue and piety.
The phrase “as fits the occasion,” implies that our words should be carefully chosen to meet the needs of the moment.
It is important to consider the time, place, and manner in which our words are communicated.
Our words should not only “fit the occasion,” but also “give grace to those who hear.”
Our words must be so graceful that they provide comfort and direction to those who hear them.
Paul taught the Thessalonians that the gift of speech was given to edify one another. Our words are a means of edification and ministration.
The tongue is a powerful tool that should be used to convey gracious messages.
God gave us the mouth and tongue for prayer and praise.
We must converse as ones who will “give an account” of “every idle word” that we speak (Matthew 12:36). The words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts should be acceptable to God (Psalm 19:14).
Our tongue must be used in the service of the Kings of Kings.
In Colossians 4:6, Paul urges believers to “let” their “words be seasoned with salt.”
Our words, like salt, must be able to preserve.
Questions to Ponder:
Are your words “seasoned with salt”?
Do you use your words to build others?
6. Hebrews 3:13, BSB
But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
This verse emphasizes the congregation’s shared responsibility to look after one another.
This is not the same as a pastor preaching to a congregation from the pulpit. Rather, this is motivation that is passed down from one church member to the next.
It is our Christian duty to “daily” encourage and help one another in our Christian walk.
It is our daily duty to encourage one another as long as we have the breath of life in us.
When a heart hardens, it loses sensitivity to sin and claims of God.
The believers’ hearts are less likely to harden because they encourage each other to remain faithful. They encourage each other to keep believing.
We are our brother’s keeper in all things.
Questions to Ponder:
Do you seek ways to encourage the people you meet daily?
7. Hebrews 10:25, NLT
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Some members of the Hebrew community, to whom this letter was addressed, avoided close or direct association with other Christians.
They neglected their duty to gather for worship, whether privately in their homes or publicly in churches.
What is the significance of fellowship with other Christians? Fellowship with other believers strengthens and promotes church unity and love. Church gatherings allow members to encourage one another in the virtues of endurance and patience. Believers must seek out opportunities to assist and push one another to greater heights.
In his article We Need Each Other: Christian Fellowship as a Means of Perseverance, John Piper puts it this way:
“If you’re a Christian you are united to Christ in a mutual bond with all other Christians. You are, therefore, in a profound, eternal relationship of love with all believers. Your calling, therefore, is to be a Jonathan in all those relationships.”
Paul in Hebrews 10:25 uses the approaching day of Christ’s return as a motivator for church members to stay together.
The nearness of the blessed hope and final deliverance should also encourage us to keep our faith.
Questions to Ponder:
Do you fellowship with other believers to encourage each other as you prepare for the Lord’s return?
8. Romans 14:19, KJV
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
In this verse, Paul encourages believers to promote and maintain peace among themselves.
Rather than arguing, believers should focus on things that “edify,” “upbuild,” and promote harmony. Christians should support one another as they navigate and overcome life’s challenges.
Questions to Ponder:
Is it your prayer to seek out things that will edify and unite believers?
9. Romans 15:2, ESV
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
We are to make a personal effort to work for the good and growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must also show mutual love and kindness to one another.
We are not to exploit our fellow believers, but rather to promote their welfare. In his article Belonging to All the Others, David Slater comments on Romans 15:2 as follows:
“I also belong to all the others in the local family of God. The Bible tells us that "each of us should please his neighbor for his good" (Romans 15:2). My activity should be directed towards building up the body of Christ, not destroying it. I must see the other people in the Church as people who need to be encouraged, exhorted and built up in their faith. That kind of activity demands self-sacrifice.”
Encouragement and looking out for the best interests of our neighbors requires sacrifice.
Questions to Ponder:
Are you willing to make sacrifices for your brothers and sisters’ sake?
10. Proverbs 25:11, NKJV
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
The expression “golden apples in silver pictures” is a figure of speech that denotes beauty.
A well-timed word of advice, encouragement, or reproof is lovely and appealing to the listener in terms of both content and timing.
Questions to Ponder:
Are your words well-timed and appealing to the listener?
11. Isaiah 50:4, ESV
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
In this verse, God is portrayed as a divine teacher who has taught his servant how to speak in a “learned” or “taught” manner.
By making the above statement, the writer confirms that he is a recipient and beneficiary of divine education.
In the divine school, the writer learned the art and science of speaking tactfully to “one who is weary.”
Tact is knowing to speak the right word at the right time, to the right person, in the right way.
Thus Isaiah has learned from God how to refresh or “sustain with a word him who is weary.”
In this world, weary souls abound, worn out by work and exhausted by anxiety. They need to hear words of encouragement to rekindle their faith.
Questions to Ponder:
What are some of the ways you use words to “sustain” the people you interact with on a daily basis?
12. 1 Peter 4:10, KJV
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
This was written with a sense of urgency – with the impending end of all things in mind.
God has bequeathed to us all the gifts that we possess.
Each of us has been given a gift to minister to one another, not to brag about it. God is the owner of the “manifold” or varied gifts.
God has entrusted these endowments to us for the benefit of the entire church.
We are stewards of God’s various gifts, not owners.
Questions to Ponder:
Are you a good steward of God’s various gifts?
Do you use your talents to help others?
13. Galatians 6:2, ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul encourages believers to show sympathy by bearing one another’s burdens.
It is worth noting that even those who are in Christ bear burdens.
The burdens mentioned in this verse are those that are unmanageable and require the help of someone stronger to bear.
We must have compassion for one another in order to bear each other’s burdens, and in doing so, we will be fulfilling “the law of Christ.”
The law of Christ is the law of love. This law states: “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).
Christ bore our burden, and he invites us to do the same for one another. The love we have for God and for one another drives us to bear one another’s burdens.
In this other post I share some of the ways we can encourage one another
I put together this post to help you easily find best 13 bible verses about encouraging others in the lord, with explanation.
As a bonus, we included some eight ways to encourage others in the Lord.
We know that discouragement can be a part of life, but we want to make sure you know that God is always there to guide you and to encourage you.
We hope that you found some encouragement in these 13 Bible verses.
Shalom.
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