SOURCES OF ENCOURAGEMENT

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

Acts 4:36-37

“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.”

 

Here in the book of Acts we are introduced to the man; Barnabas. His name means son of prophecy with an emphasis on skills in teaching that can bring encouragement and comfort to those being taught. Apparently Barnabas was considered a great teacher because his exposition of scripture brought hope and encouragement to those who heard him. Such persons who are gifted by God in this area are necessary not only to the local church but also to each of us as Christians. We all need comfort and encouragement as we face difficult struggles in our lives and strive to serve our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God is concerned that we are comforted and encouraged in our journey in holiness and service to Him. What provisions has He made that we receive such spurring on to good works? Let’s investigate several means by which we can receive renewed strength in our Christian walk.

 

GOD the FATHER

 

Our comfort and encouragement originate initially from the will and actions of our triune God. God the Father comforts us wherever we go. Psalms 23 is a good example of the extent of this comfort. It gives us a picture of the preparation and planning God makes to serve us as we face danger, toil, struggles and trials. It demonstrates how God gives us comfort in our time of need, but He also supplies ongoing support throughout our life.

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us that our Heavenly Father is not only our spiritual Father, He is also the Father of compassion and all comfort. It says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” This comfort we receive from God gives us the ability to comfort and encourage those we come in contact with who are struggling. God’s ministry to us gives us the skills and courage to minister to others.

 

Often we can become depressed and discouraged from events that take place in our lives. We may lose our job. We may have someone reject us. Possibly we fail in a task that someone asked us to do. Perhaps we are struggling financially or have a debilitating illness. Whatever the reason for our state of disheartenment we need to remember that God specializes in comforting and encouraging the downcast. 2 Corinthians 7:6 states, “God, who comforts the downcast.”

 

We must also not forget that even when God disciplines us in our lives as Believers this too is a form of encouragement. Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.’”

 

Just as a loving mother or father disciplines their child, our Heavenly Father disciplines us. When God disciplines those who are part of His family it is a reminder that we are important to Him and it is also a form of encouragement in our spiritual walk as a child of God. It has been said, “God loves us as we are, but loves us too much to leave us that way.” He wants the best for us and the best thing for us is to obey His commandments and live a holy life. His call for us to “be holy as He is holy” is not just a call for obedience, it is a call to experience the fullness of whom we can be in Christ, and to be the person we were meant to be.

 

JESUS CHRIST

 

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

 

Here we understand from scripture that not only does our Heavenly Father give us comfort and encouragement, but Jesus Christ also provides this same support. The key word in this verse is “eternal.” The perfect love of Jesus is not a transient or temporary encouragement. It is ETERNAL! It is everlasting and never ending. Our Savior’s work of redemption involves eternal and continual comfort and encouragement. The day we accept Christ as our Savior Christ’s work begins. He is forever interceding for us and intervening in our lives to give us the confidence and perseverance to live a life dedicated to God.

 

HOLY SPIRIT

 

When Jesus ascended to heaven He made provision that Christians would not be left alone. The Holy Spirit was given to comfort, counsel, encourage and guide Christians in their spiritual journey.

 

John 14:16

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;”

 

John 14:25-27

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

 

When a person accepts Christ as their Savior they receive the gift of God’s Spirit who then lives within them. The Spirit of God empowers the Believer to live as they should. He gives us courage and power to live for Christ and witness about God’s truth. This encouragement is invaluable in living for Christ for we could never do it on our own. He ministers to us when we are beyond words and abilities to even ask for help. He soothes our soul in our times of distress. He is a most beloved gift for a Christian to have living within them. He is God in the fullest sense and is a seal upon us that we have been redeemed by Christ’s blood. What an encouragement He is.

 

SCRIPTURE

 

God’s Word is also a source of encouragement for us as we live for Christ. Numerous scriptures testify of this.

 

Romans 15:4

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

 

The teaching that is motivated by God’s Word and comes from scripture is a source of hope, comfort and encouragement.

 

1 Corinthians 14:2-3

“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”

 

God’s Word is a place we can turn to not only for advice and counsel but also comfort and encouragement. It records the actions and behavior of great men and women of God and thus gives us examples to follow to remain steadfast in our struggles. When we read of those who are like us, and who face situations similar to ours, we gain strength to continue on in the struggles we face and to remain steadfast in our trust that God will see us through. God’s Word speaks powerfully and specifically if we just listen for it to address the issues that we face. It is yet one more avenue that God has provided for us to receive encouragement in our lives.

 

CHRISTIANS

 

Finally we receive comfort and encouragement from other Christians. We are called to love one another as Christ loved us and we are called to encourage one another as well.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

 

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives, receive the Holy Spirit for the power to live like Christ and humble ourselves to the call to obey God our Heavenly Father we receive encouragement that we in turn can give to others in the faith. Be an encourager. Be a Barnabas.

 

Philippians 2:1-2

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.”