“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will never forget you,” penned William A. Ward
Ward understood something the Bible has taught for centuries: encouragement leaves a lasting imprint on the human heart.
Encouragement is one of the “one another” commands issued by the apostle Paul.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
We live in a world that desperately needs encouragement.
People may have more ways than ever to communicate, yet many still echo David’s lonely cry: “No one cares for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). Behind smiling faces are weary hearts carrying burdens few people ever see.
That’s why the apostle Paul repeatedly urged Christians to become encouragers. In fact, the New Testament places remarkable emphasis on building one another up. Hebrews 3:13 reminds us, “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Encouragement isn’t optional. It is one of God’s primary ministries to His people.
Throughout Scripture, we see God encouraging Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, Jeremiah, and countless others. Paul prayed, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father… encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). Even the Holy Spirit is described as the Comforter—the One who comes alongside to help and encourage (John 14:16).
The Bible itself was written to strengthen our faith. Paul declared that the Scriptures were written “that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). Preaching should reflect that same purpose. Certainly, there is a time to rebuke sin and expose error. But there is also a great need to lift weary hearts, strengthen weak hands, and inspire faithful living. Too often, we spend more time beating people up than building them up.
Encouragement is also one of the great ministries entrusted to every Christian. Paul instructed believers to “encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Some even possess a special gift of encouragement (Romans 12:8). David Jeremiah observed, “The body of Christ is a family whose members are to be mutually involved with one another. One of the one-another ministries God calls us to practice is the ministry of encouragement.”
Perhaps the beautiful thing about encouragement is its lasting influence. Like a pebble dropped into a pond, its ripples continue long after the initial act. A kind word spoken today may strengthen someone for years to come. Solomon’s advice to “cast your bread upon the waters” (Ecclesiastes 11:1) reminds us that what we give away often returns in unexpected ways.
So how do we encourage others?
Sometimes it’s through what we say. Proverbs tells us, “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (12:25). “Pleasant words are… sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (16:24).
One anonymous writer captured the power of our speech:
A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life.
A gracious word may smooth the way;
A loving word may heal and bless.
Our words can wound—or they can heal.
Encouragement also comes through what we write. Many of the New Testament books were personal letters intended to strengthen believers. A handwritten note, a thoughtful card, or even a brief message can become a treasured keepsake. I’ve saved notes from years ago that I still reread because of the encouragement they continue to provide.
And encouragement is often communicated simply by our presence. Job’s friends were at their best when they quietly sat with him in his grief before they began speaking. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is focused attention, a listening ear, a warm embrace, or simply being there. Jesus frequently touched hurting people, demonstrating compassion before saying a word.
Who needs encouragement?
The better question may be, who doesn’t?
Church leaders. Teachers. Parents. Young people navigating an increasingly difficult culture. Senior saints who deserve our honor and respect. New Christians. The sick. Those grieving the loss of a loved one. People facing financial pressures, emotional struggles, temptation, or uncertainty about the future.
And yes, even you.
One of life’s wonderful paradoxes is that when we encourage others, we often find ourselves encouraged as well.
Let’s never underestimate the difference one encouraging word, one thoughtful note, one caring visit, or one simple act of kindness can make.
May we heed Paul’s timeless exhortation: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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