Topical Encyclopedia The concept of encouragement is deeply rooted in the Bible, serving as a vital aspect of Christian life and community. Encouragement is the act of giving someone support, confidence, or hope, and it is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of building one another up in faith and love.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, encouragement often comes through God's promises and His presence with His people. For instance, in Deuteronomy 31:6, Moses encourages the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land: "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." This assurance of God's unwavering presence serves as a profound source of encouragement. The Psalms also frequently highlight encouragement, as the psalmists often turn to God for strength and reassurance. Psalm 31:24 states, "Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD." Here, the psalmist encourages believers to find strength in their hope and trust in God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, encouragement is a key element of the early Christian community. The Apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes the role of encouragement in the life of the church. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This directive underscores the communal responsibility of believers to support and uplift each other. Paul's letters often include personal examples of encouragement. In Philippians 1:6 , he expresses confidence in God's work in the lives of the believers: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Such words are meant to inspire hope and perseverance among the faithful. The Book of Acts also provides instances of encouragement, particularly through the ministry of Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement." Acts 11:23 describes Barnabas's visit to Antioch: "When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." Barnabas's role highlights the importance of encouragement in nurturing and sustaining faith. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a source of encouragement for believers. In John 14:16 , Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate or Comforter: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever." The Holy Spirit provides believers with comfort, guidance, and encouragement, empowering them to live out their faith. Practical Application Encouragement is not only a biblical principle but also a practical aspect of Christian living. Believers are called to encourage one another through words, actions, and prayers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In summary, encouragement is a vital component of the Christian faith, deeply embedded in both the Old and New Testaments. It serves as a means of strengthening the community of believers, fostering hope, and sustaining faith through the power of God's promises and the work of the Holy Spirit. Greek 2819. kleros -- a lot ... Scripture encourages casting lots (2819 ) to better discern the preferred- will of God (cf. 2307 and their association in Col 1:9-12). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2819.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen... great strength (1), display strength (1), encourage (4), encourage* (1), encouraged (2), encouraged* (3), encouragement (1), encourages (1), established ... /hebrew/2388.htm - 8k Library Jesus Encourages his Friends and Helpers It is Strange that These Delightful Promises Affect us Coldly... People Admitted. Index. Index of Subjects. Hebrews xi. 3, 4 Hebrews i. 8-Jun The Entrance to the Life of Full Obedience Preface Appendix iv the Scotch Service-Book Thesaurus Encourages (4 Occurrences)...Encourages (4 Occurrences). ... (DBY). 2 Corinthians 7:6 But he who encourages those that are brought low, even God, encouraged us by the coming of Titus; (DBY). ... /e/encourages.htm - 7k Encouragement (25 Occurrences) Nails (16 Occurrences) Goldsmith (6 Occurrences) Fastens (2 Occurrences) Encouraged (37 Occurrences) Carpenter (4 Occurrences) Anvil (1 Occurrence) Smoothes (1 Occurrence) Fasten (28 Occurrences) Resources What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an unhappy marriage? | GotQuestions.org Is it possible to know when Jesus is coming back? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Encourages (4 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 1:4 2 Corinthians 7:6 Galatians 2:17 Isaiah 41:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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