The Power and Importance of Encouragement

Devotional

Day 1: Encourage and Build One Another Up

True encouragement is a calling for every believer, not just a suggestion, and it is meant to be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. In a world that often prizes self-sufficiency, God’s Word reminds us that we are designed for community, accountability, and mutual support. Even when we feel like we’re on our own, we are called to lift up those around us—whether they are family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers. Encouragement is not reserved for grand gestures; it can be as simple as a kind word, a thoughtful text, or a genuine compliment. When we take the time to encourage others, we reflect Christ’s love and help build up the body of believers, making the journey of faith lighter for everyone. [02:46]

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to today with a word of encouragement, and what specific message could you share to build them up?

Day 2: Bear One Another’s Burdens

God calls us to walk alongside each other, sharing in both joys and struggles, so that no one carries their burdens alone. When we take the time to truly see what others are going through and step into their journey, we fulfill the law of Christ by loving and supporting one another. This kind of encouragement goes beyond words—it means being present, offering help, and sometimes simply sitting with someone in their pain. As we bear each other’s burdens, we deepen our relationships and create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and loved. [16:06]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Reflection: Think of someone in your church or community who is going through a difficult time—how can you tangibly help carry their burden this week?

Day 3: Stir Up One Another to Love and Good Works

Gathering together as believers is not just about worship, but about inspiring each other to love and serve more deeply. We are encouraged to meet regularly, not only for our own spiritual growth, but to motivate one another toward acts of kindness and good deeds. The church is meant to be a place where encouragement flows freely, both inside and outside its walls, so that our faith becomes visible to the world around us. As we encourage each other, we help one another stay strong in faith and active in love, especially as we see the challenges of life increase. [19:41]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: What is one way you can encourage someone in your church family to step out in love or service this week?

Day 4: Fellowship in the Light of Christ

Walking in the light of Christ brings us into true fellowship with one another, where relationships are built on grace, forgiveness, and shared purpose. When we live transparently and honestly, we experience the cleansing power of Jesus and the deep connection that comes from being part of His family. This fellowship is not just for our benefit—it equips us to reach out and share Christ’s love with others, both inside and outside the church. The simple act of encouraging and loving others is a reflection of the forgiveness and acceptance we have received in Christ. [22:29]

1 John 1:7 (ESV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Reflection: In what area of your life can you be more open and authentic with fellow believers, allowing Christ’s light to deepen your relationships?

Day 5: Small Acts, Big Impact

It’s often the smallest gestures—a text, a card, a kind word—that make the greatest difference in someone’s day and reveal the love of Christ in practical ways. Encouragement doesn’t have to be complicated or grand; it’s about being attentive to the Spirit’s prompting and responding with simple acts of kindness. When we let Jesus shine through our encouragement, He receives the glory, and our community is strengthened. Even when life is busy or we feel inadequate, choosing to encourage others can transform both their lives and ours, making the love of Christ visible in everyday moments. [28:28]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Reflection: What is one small, specific act of encouragement you can do today to let Christ’s love shine through you?

Sermon Summary

Encouragement is a simple yet powerful command woven throughout Scripture, and it’s something every person needs—no matter how strong or confident they may appear. God designed us for community, for accountability, and for supporting one another. Even though we often overlook or underestimate the impact of encouragement, it is a vital part of living out our faith. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 remind us to “encourage one another and build one another up,” and this isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a calling for every believer.

Encouragement doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Sometimes, the smallest gestures—a text, a card, a kind word—can make the biggest difference in someone’s day. We all know what it feels like to be lifted up by someone’s support, and we also know the sting of discouragement, especially when it comes from those closest to us or within the church. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about building each other up, both inside and outside the church walls.

The church is meant to be a place where encouragement flows freely, where burdens are shared, and where relationships are deepened. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” and Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” These aren’t just instructions for pastors or leaders—they’re for all of us. When we encourage others, we reflect Christ’s love and help create a community where people can grow, heal, and thrive.

Our influence extends beyond the church. The community, schools, and workplaces are watching to see if we truly live out what we believe. Encouragement is a way to show the world the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways. It’s not about getting recognition for ourselves, but about letting Jesus shine through us. As we encourage others, we point them to the hope and grace found in Him.

Let’s not overcomplicate it. Let’s be people who notice, who reach out, who build up, and who love well. Whether it’s a simple text, a word of affirmation, or just being present with someone in their struggle, these acts of encouragement can change lives and strengthen our witness for Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Encouragement is a command, not a suggestion. Scripture repeatedly calls us to encourage one another, and the frequency of this command highlights its importance in the Christian life. When we see words repeated in God’s Word, it’s a signal to pay attention and take them seriously. [14:14]
2. Small acts of encouragement can have a profound impact. It’s often the little things—a text, a card, a kind word—that God uses to lift someone’s spirit. These simple gestures are easy to overlook, but they can be the very thing someone needs to keep going. [07:24]
3. The church should be a place where encouragement is abundant and authentic. Sometimes, conflict within the church or among family can hurt more deeply than anywhere else, but that’s not how it’s meant to be. We are called to build each other up, share burdens, and create a community where people feel supported and loved. [13:41]
4. Encouragement is for everyone, regardless of status or role. Scripture doesn’t put encouragement on a hierarchy; it’s not just for pastors, leaders, or certain people. Every believer is called to encourage others—whether it’s a coworker, a family member, or someone in the community. [18:58]
5. True encouragement points people to Christ, not to ourselves. When we encourage others, it’s not about our own recognition or praise, but about letting Jesus shine through us. Our words and actions should reflect His love and grace, giving Him the glory for every good thing that comes from our lives. [28:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - The Simplicity and Challenge of Encouragement
[02:46] - Paul’s Example and the Need for Community
[04:24] - Who Needs Encouragement?
[06:03] - Practical Ways to Encourage Others
[07:48] - The Power of Small Gestures
[08:50] - Lessons from the Baseball Field
[10:31] - Teamwork and Encouragement in Action
[12:27] - The Pain of Discouragement
[13:41] - Encouragement Within the Church
[14:48] - The Biblical Command to Encourage
[16:06] - Bearing One Another’s Burdens
[18:18] - Honest Self-Reflection on Encouragement
[19:41] - Stirring Up Love and Good Works
[20:53] - The Church’s Witness in the Community
[21:56] - Walking in the Light and Fellowship
[24:42] - The Impact of Servitude and Encouragement
[26:48] - Learning from Examples of Encouragement
[28:28] - Letting Christ Shine Through Our Encouragement
[28:44] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) — > Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

2. Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
> Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

3. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
> And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, what are believers specifically told to do for one another?
In Galatians 6:2, what does Paul say happens when we bear one another’s burdens?
What are some of the simple, everyday ways the sermon mentioned that we can encourage others? ([06:42])
The sermon talked about how encouragement is not just for pastors or leaders. Who does Scripture say is responsible for encouraging others? ([18:58])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul repeats the command to encourage one another so often in his letters? What does this repetition tell us about its importance? ([14:14])
The sermon mentioned that sometimes discouragement from within the church or family can hurt more than from outside. Why might that be the case? ([13:41])
How does bearing one another’s burdens help us fulfill “the law of Christ” as mentioned in Galatians 6:2? What does that look like in real life?
The sermon said that encouragement is a way to let Jesus shine through us, not to bring attention to ourselves. What does it mean for encouragement to point people to Christ instead of us? ([28:28])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to overcomplicate encouragement. What is one small, specific thing you could do this week to encourage someone—maybe a text, a card, or a kind word? Who comes to mind? ([26:19])
Think about a time when you felt discouraged, especially by someone close to you or in the church. How did that affect you? How can that experience shape the way you encourage others now? ([13:41])
The pastor admitted he struggles with encouraging others and wants to do better. On a scale of 1-10, how intentional are you about encouraging people in your life? What’s one area where you could improve? ([18:18])
Galatians 6:2 says to bear one another’s burdens. Is there someone in your life right now who is carrying a heavy burden? What could you do to help share that load, even in a small way? ([16:06])
The sermon talked about the church’s witness in the community. How do you think our church is doing at being a place of encouragement? What is one thing we could do better as a group? ([20:53])
The pastor gave the example of Sandy Thompson, who encourages others even while going through her own struggles. Is there someone you know who models encouragement well? What can you learn from their example? ([27:47])
When you encourage others, do you find yourself wanting recognition, or are you able to let Christ get the glory? How can you check your motives and make sure your encouragement points people to Jesus? ([28:28])

Sermon Clips

The act of encouragement can be very simple. You can write a letter. You can send a card. I mean, there's so many easy ways. Cell phones have, you know, drastic changes. They can drastically change the way that the world works. Some of the best days that I have is just from a small text that I get from somebody that has some small word of encouragement. Sometimes it's as simple as, hey, thank you for what you did. Or sometimes you're having the worst day there ever was and it's just a small text from somebody that maybe you haven't talked to. Maybe you talk to them all the time. And it's a small text. It's just a small text. It said, hey, I'm praying for you today. [00:06:31] (46 seconds) #SmallActsBigImpact

So when God tells you to reach out to somebody, you probably need to reach out to them, right? So small acts of kindness are so easy to do. But yet, I don't do them well. As humans, I think it's easy to look at the big picture. It's easy to look at. It's easy to look at the things that we see and big things, big projects, whatever the case may be, and find encouragement in only those things. To me, as I get older, and I just celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago, and to me it's the small things now. It's not the big things. It's the big things come and the big things go. But it's the small things. It's those small things that you, that when you look back on it, you can see that it was from God. It's from God, but it's through people. [00:07:28] (69 seconds) #ValueTheSmallThings

So when you're like me and you know you're reading through scripture and you see words encouragement and you see words of encouragement and you see words of encouragement and you see words encourage encourage others trust others do this do that take the small words the words that you understand and the words you see in time and time again in scripture that are repetitive they're there for a reason it's in God's word for a reason so when you see the word encouraged used 56 times in the new testament that probably means it's important it probably means it's important to you it probably means it's important to you we should pay attention to it. [00:14:10] (40 seconds) #EncouragementIsEssential

So Paul's message is clear so we're not alone in this journey so we need each other it's much easier to go through life with other people than it is to be alone so we need each other we need help so we need to help each other we need to grow in our faith and we can do that through encouragement through taking the time a small time it doesn't have to be a big thing guys and just encourage other people it's very simple tell them you love them tell them you're doing tell them they're doing a great job telling them the food was good i mean whatever the case may be it can be as big or as small as you want it to be. [00:15:21] (49 seconds) #WeNeedEachOther

So as a deacon at this church, I should hold myself to a higher standard. I should be doing more or I should be trying to do more for the people in this church that I do, so when I read through this scripture that I've been reading through the last several weeks, that's what keeps pumping into my head. So the question that I ask myself is am I doing enough to encourage others? And the answer I'm going to give you is quickly, no. Can I do better? Absolutely. Am I trying to do better? Absolutely. Will I ever get there? Probably not but I'm going to keep trying. So I asked you guys to do the same and it's not just hospital visits. I'm telling you it's something small. It's that text with your Sunday school class or your Sunday school teacher or a co-worker or your boss or somebody that works for you. Whatever the case may be. Whatever the hierarchy is it doesn't matter. Scripture tells us to encourage all. It doesn't put it on a hierarchy or a scale or anything else. It just tells us to encourage. [00:17:55] (85 seconds) #BuildingRelationships

So as we kind of wrap up for the night, I just want, again, you know, just something so simple. Don't overcomplicate it like I do. Pick up your phone and text somebody. Pick up your phone and call somebody. I'm going to brag on somebody because she ain't here. And if she was here, I would brag on her anyway. But Sandy Thompson, she's one of the sweetest ladies that I think I've ever met. Um, she encourages me probably more than any of you all would ever know. And it's those simple things, a text or a card or a piece of chocolate candy. It doesn't have to be a lot. But I love Sandy Thompson because she does a magnificent job of encouraging other people. And all of us know Sandy. She's going through a pretty rough time right now. And she still does it well. Extremely well. [00:26:33] (87 seconds) #GraceInOurImperfection

``So guys do better than me. I encourage other people and love Jesus. And let him shine through the encouragement that you give. So that's what's most important. Is everything that we do for Christ, he should get the glory for it. It's not, it's not me. It's what he is doing in me that hopefully the actions that I do for him that comes out of it. [00:28:11] (29 seconds) #ServeWithLove

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