When I first started working in the Control Tower at Newark International Airport, I was amazed by the number of planes taxiing around simultaneously. Transitioning from the Air Force, where my base in New Jersey was significantly smaller, was quite challenging. It took me about 2.5 years to become fully qualified to work independently, but I eventually achieved that goal. After I had been certified for a while, I mentioned to my supervisor that I found it discouraging that no one ever acknowledged my work with a “good job.” His response didn’t help: “Mike, if no one says you did a bad job, then you must have done a good one.” He clearly didn’t understand the power of encouragement.
Dr. Tim Allchin, a biblical counselor, writes, “Encouragement is a more powerful motivator than criticism every day of the week.” This sentiment is true at work, in our schools, in our homes, and even in our churches. Murray Harris, a New Testament scholar, once stated, “Encouragement is one of the most important ministries in the Church of the New Testament.” The idea is that it’s where the rubber meets the road when it comes to the gospel.
The Greek word translated as “encourage” in the New Testament is ‘parakaleō,’ which is a verb. It can also be translated as “to comfort, cheer up, console, speak in a friendly manner, urge, implore, or exhort.” You may recognize this word as it is related to the Holy Spirit. In John 14:26, John refers to the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete, which is the noun form of the verb. JB Phillips paraphrased the word Paraclete in John 14:26 as “someone to stand by you.” So to encourage is to be actively present in the lives of others.
In Colossians 4:7-9, Paul writes, “Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.”
Why did the believers in Colossae need encouragement? Because they were uncertain about their future and what it held for the Apostle Paul. The world moves at an unpredictable pace. Whether you’re the Apostle Paul sitting in prison waiting for the outcome of a trial, a grandmother anticipating medical test results, or a student waiting for grades to be posted at the end of the term, uncertainty breeds anxiety and stress. The church’s response should be to offer biblical encouragement. This encouragement can take various forms, including verbal, emotional, practical, and spiritual encouragement.
Verbal encouragement can occur through conversations after church, phone calls, or written notes. Emotional encouragement often comes from simply being present during difficult times, such as at a funeral or offering a comforting hug, when appropriate. Practical encouragement includes helping someone with physical tasks or providing financial support to meet a need. Spiritual encouragement involves showing hospitality or praying for someone.
Is there an area in your life where you need encouragement? And are you looking for ways to encourage others around you? Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered.” God promises that when you encourage others, you will also find encouragement in return. May this be true for each of us as we strive to be ministers of Christ in High View!
~ Pastor Mike
