A Beginner’s Path to Encouragement and Soul Strength in God
Encouragement That Anchors Hearts in Christ.
Encouragement is one of the greatest needs of the human heart, yet a scarcity of true encouragement can leave souls parched. Think about a time when you desperately needed encouragement but found none. Such moments can expose a critical shortfall in our churches today.
Why is encouragement so rare? Often, we misunderstand what true encouragement is. We assume it’s merely offering comfort or affirmation something to make us feel better about ourselves. But biblical encouragement does much more. It strengthens hearts, deepens hope, and renews courage in God.
What Is Encouragement?
To encourage means to give courage not flattery, not empty consolation, but the strength to face adversity and follow Christ faithfully. Every believer needs this kind of courage to endure suffering, resist temptation, love sacrificially, persevere in ministry, and trust and obey God.
The apostle Paul knew this well. Writing to the Thessalonian church, he repeatedly urged them to encourage one another:
“Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
“Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
“Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Why the emphasis on encouragement? Because the Thessalonian believers lived under intense persecution and affliction. They desperately needed courage to endure. Their need mirrors ours today, though our struggles may look different. Every church every Christian requires soul-anchoring, heart-stirring encouragement to remain steadfast in Christ.
Paul’s Model of Encouragement
In 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12, Paul describes his approach to encouraging others:
“Like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”
Notice the balance in Paul’s encouragement. Earlier, he says, “We were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7). Paul’s encouragement is both tender, like a mother, and firm, like a father. It is compassionate and assertive, urging believers toward godly living with care and conviction.
Paul’s example reminds us that encouragement is not about empty platitudes. It’s about strengthening others to trust God, obey His Word, and endure faithfully.
Three Facets of Encouragement
In 1 Thessalonians, we see three specific ways Paul encourages the church: comforting the sorrowful, awakening the idle, and fortifying the fainthearted.
Comfort the Sorrowful
Some Thessalonians grieved deeply for loved ones who had died, fearing they would miss Christ’s return. Paul addressed their sorrow with the hope of the gospel:
“Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
He assured them that those who died in Christ would rise again and live forever with Him. Then he exhorted them, “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
When grief weighs heavily on someone’s soul, true encouragement anchors their hope in the promises of God. It reminds them that in Christ, sorrow is temporary, and joy is eternal.
Awaken the Idle
Others in Thessalonica had grown complacent, using Christ’s return as an excuse for laziness. To them, Paul said:
“Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8).
Paul’s encouragement here is urgent and action-oriented. He calls the idle to wake up, arm themselves with faith, and engage in the work God has given them.
In our churches, encouragement sometimes requires lighting a fire under sleepy souls. It’s not just about comfort it’s about calling people to action, reminding them of the stakes, and urging them to live wholeheartedly for Christ.
Fortify the Fainthearted
Some Thessalonians were neither grieving nor idle but simply weary crushed under the burdens of life. Paul addressed them directly:
“We urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
The fainthearted need both compassion and courage. They need to hear God’s tender words:
“I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isaiah 57:15).
And they need to hear His promises of deliverance:
“Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. He will come and save you’” (Isaiah 35:4).
Encouragement for the fainthearted strengthens their spirits by reminding them that God is near, that He sees their pain, and that He will rescue them in His time.
How to Strengthen a Soul
Do you know someone who is grieving, complacent, or weary? Consider how God might use you to strengthen their soul.
For the sorrowful, share the hope of God’s promises. Remind them that Christ will one day wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
For the idle, call them to action with urgency and love. Point them to the joy of serving Christ with all their heart (Colossians 3:23–24).
For the fainthearted, be present, patient, and prayerful. Speak God’s truth into their lives and remind them of His faithfulness.
Encouragement is not a one size fits all practice. It requires discernment, compassion, and boldness. But when we make it a regular rhythm of life, we become channels of God’s strength, helping others to walk in a manner worthy of Him. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates
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