Ministry of Encouragement

Biblical encouragement takes many forms. But whatever the form, biblical encouragement is "ongoing, daily, and consistent. It includes the practices of strengthening, motivating, assuring, supporting, exhorting and disciplining." (Sharon Betters)

Webster's dictionary defines encouragement: "To give courage, spirit, or hope; to stimulate."

Do you see here that encouragement is so much more than a "high five", or a hug, or the promise to pray (although those are all elements of encouragement). There is much more to this than what is commonly thought. There is so much to this that I'm afraid I will not do the subject justice. My intention is to encourage you (and myself) to be encouragers. My thoughts will be largely drawn from Sharon Betters in her book, "Treasures of Encouragement."

Sharon Betters is a pastor's wife who, on July 6, 1993, lost her sixteen year old son, Mark, in a car accident. It was through this deep trial Sharon came to understand that "Biblical encouragement is soul work." When one individual extends, or receives biblical encouragement, their soul is affected for good. It is the lifting up of the eyes to see the true Help. Sometimes our eyes are so downcast we feel as though we cannot lift them. So, we need the help of another to gently lift the chin upward so the eyes can more easily see the Truth. Though Sharon's book is largely about responding to people in trial, she recognizes that at times we all need the kind of encouragement that helps us to see our own hearts, and the sin that may be gripping us. She understands that Biblical encouragement is "coming alongside" someone, as the Holy Spirit does, and giving them the Words of Life for their souls in whatever state they are in. It may be grief. It could be singleness. It could be childlessness It could be the trials of parenting preschoolers, or teenagers. It could be the loneliness of being a widow. It could be a struggle in a marriage. It could be depression. It could be doubt, fears, pride, jealousy, anger, bitterness. Biblical encouragement is stepping into any of these and others with the truth of God's word, speaking that truth with love. And it can be simply saying, "I love you," "I appreciate what you are doing," or "Thank you."

Tomorrow I will begin to answer the "how to" and "who to" questions. I'm sure you have some. I know I often do. I can go from wanting to encourage everyone, to being tired and not wanting to encourage at all, and wanting encouragement myself. I found Sharon's suggestions helpful in finding the balance and the boundaries to this ministry. I hope you will too.