Equipped #4: Encouragement Series

Equipped: Encourage 

Romans 12:8

Introduction

In the list of gifts that God has equipped us to perform in the church and in our lives, Encouragement is one that is needed now more than ever.

Did you know that loneliness contributes to over 100 deaths every hour worldwide? That’s not just a health crisis—it’s a spiritual one. And we, as the body of Christ, are called to be the antidote.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring—all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” — Leo Buscaglia

Encouragement isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a lifeline. It can:

-Reignite hope for those battling depression.

-Bridge the gap between isolation and belonging.

-Empower young people to pursue education and purpose.

-Help the marginalized feel seen and valued.

Romans 12:6-8 NIV We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Romans 12:8 shares that if our gift is encouragement, we should put it to work! Some translations use the term exhortation. How some writers define encouragement:

-Michael Fox: The ability to stand beside and give aid to another. 

-Osborne: Comfort and consolation, help Christians live out their obedience to the gospel.

-Yarbrough: The church needs members with the ability to bolster, console, or rally others depending on their role, their need, or the challenge they currently face.

Encouragement strengthens those who are weary in the faith.

1. We All Need Encouragement

Someone wrote, “One of the worst things for a Christian is when they are feeling discouraged. They are exhausted with life. They are frustrated with difficulties. They are tired of being sick, tired of health problems. They can’t stand any more persecution or trauma. They can’t make ends meet. And they face discouragement. Then it takes a faithful Christian in the body to come along and give them encouragement.” (Steckbaur)

Greek (Steckbaur): paraklesis - exhortation is calling someone toward good deeds. Calling someone to make a change. Fox points out that this is a form of the same word Jesus used to refer to the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17. The Holy Spirit was comforting, strengthening, and encouraging the apostles in Jesus’ absence. How is God using you today to bring the same to those who are struggling?

2. A Great Example of Encouragement

Barnabas is the best-known encourager in the Bible! He was such an encourager that it became name! (Acts 4:36). Barnabas was someone who stood by others in need.

-He stood by the needy in the church, helping. (Acts 4:37)

-He stood by Saul, a new Christian (Acts 9:26-27). Imagine the loss to the mission of the early church if Saul had failed to be enacted into ministry! 

- He stood by Gentiles who had come into the church (Acts 11). He was sent to Antioch and rejoiced to see the gospel being spread (Acts 11:23-24).

- He stood by John Mark with patience and compassion (Acts 15:36-38).

John Mark failed on an earlier mission, and Paul refused to take him on the next one. Barnabas and Paul had to split up and go separate ways as brothers… but Barnabas took John Mark. Paul later came to love and respect John Mark for his work, recommending him to the brothers (Colossians 4:10) and counting him as a fellow laborer in the gospel (Philemon 24). At the end of his life, in his last letter, Paul writes to Timothy, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).

This is a great testament to Barnabas and his ability to encourage others, bringing out the best in them.

Barnabas is spoken of in seven New Testament passages, yet not one of his words is recorded. The power of an example of encouragement and exhortation!

3. Encouragement in the Book of Hebrews

The church is the one place where we should be able to count on receiving a blessing when we are here. God's people who share so many powerful spiritual blessings gathered together to encourage one another. I hope if you came here today a little downtrodden by life that you'll leave here knowing that you're loved. That's a part of our life together. The book of Hebrews appears to be written to a group of people facing indecision, discouragement, and in need of reinforcement.