Encouragement is like light shining in a dark place. Many Christians live in dark and unfriendly environments. God knew that would happen, so what did He do? He gave some of His people the spiritual ‘gift’ of encouragement. All Christians should encourage each other, but some people are ‘gifted’ in that area.

The Gift of Encouragement

To encourage someone is ‘to comfort, to urge, to console, to entreat, to exhort, to help.’ That’s the meaning of the Greek word παρακαλέω (parakaleó). The Hebrew word is chazaq and was first used in Deuteronomy 1:38 –

“Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”

The word chazaq means ‘to strengthen, to make strong, to stand firm.’

Jesus Christ called the Holy Spirit παράκλητος (paraklétos), which means ‘advocate, counselor, helper, comforter.’

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive.” John 14:16-17

Jesus and the Spirit are both ‘helpers’ and ‘comforters’ (He will give you another Helper). Is it any wonder that our Lord and His Spirit would give some disciples the gift of encouragement to help the Church that Christ is building.

The spiritual ‘gift’ of encouragement is mentioned in Romans 12:8. Some English translations use the word ‘encourage,’ while others use ‘exhort.’ The meaning in the original Greek is the same.

Some Christians were so well known for their gift of ‘encouragement’ that the Scriptures point it out –

And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus. Acts 4:36

A Light In A Dark Place

If you have the spiritual ‘gift’ of encouragement, you are like a ‘light in a dark place.’ The world is becoming a darker place as the coming of Christ grows closer. We need ‘encouragers’ in the world. Believers and unbelievers need encouragement. They need comfort and consolation. They need a kind word shared during a difficult time. They need help to get through tough days and nights. They need what God has given you to give them.

Here are a few examples of how the apostles wanted Christians to ‘encourage’ each other. Keep in mind that these words are for all Christians, but those with the ‘gift’ of encouragement have a special light inside them that can shine brightly as needed –

For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1-3 (‘encouraged’ is parakaleó)

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (‘comfort’ is parakaleó)

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (‘exhort’ is parakaleó .. ‘comfort’ is paramutheomai, which also means to encourage)

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 (‘comfort’ is paraklésis)

But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1 Corinthians 14:3 (‘exhortation’ is paraklésis .. ‘comfort’ is paramuthia and also has the idea of exhortation and encouragement)

As you study your Bible look for the words ‘encourage, encouragement, comfort, console, consolation, help, helper, exhorter, exhortation.’ Do that, please, because we need light shining in dark places. If you have the ‘gift’ of encouragement, realize that the Holy Spirit who lives in you will use you in very special ways to bring even brighter lights to people in need.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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