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.
Why We need encouragement:
-To Keep Our Hearts Tender. Hebrews 3:12-14
-To Keep Our Hope Strong. Hebrews 6:17-20a
-To Keep Our Family Focused Hebrews 10:22-25
4. HOW are we to be Agents of Encouragement?
Smile - “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22
Share burdens “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
Show a Christ-like spirit “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5
Shun destructive attitudes. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” — Ephesians 4:31 Dave willis is quoted as saying, “Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.”
Shift from judgment to grace “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37
Speak words of grace “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”—Colossians 4:6
Conclusion
The greatest encourager is the Lord himself!
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
Romans 15:5-6 "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus…
Be encouraged today by giving your life to Christ or renewing your commitment to the Lord.
This week, encourage one person intentionally—with a word, a note, a prayer, or a meal. Who will it be?
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Discussion Questions
1. Can you think of a time when someone’s encouragement made a big difference in your life? What happened?
2. The Greek word paraklesis means to “come alongside.” How does this deepen your understanding of encouragement?
3. Which of Barnabas’s examples (standing with the needy, standing with Saul, standing with Gentiles, standing with John Mark) speaks most to you? Why?
4. How do you think John Mark’s ministry might have turned out if Barnabas hadn’t stood by him? What does this teach us about the long-term power of encouragement?
5. Why do we need encouragement to keep our hearts tender? (Hebrews 3:12–14)
6. What practical things can we do as a church to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”? (Heb 10:24-25)
7. Look at the six “S’s” of encouragement (Smile, Share burdens, Show Christ’s spirit, Shun destructive attitudes,
Shift to grace, Speak grace). Which one comes most naturally to you? Which one do you need to grow in?
8. What are some barriers that keep us from being encouragers? (Fear? Busyness? Neglect?)
9. This week, who is one person you could intentionally encourage—with a word, note, prayer, or small act of
kindness?
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Resources for this Series
Barclay, William B. Daily Study Bible Series: Romans. Westminster Press, Revised Edition, 1977.
Damiani, Pat. Using My Spiritual Gifts.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/using-my-spiritual-gifts-pat-damiani-sermon-on-spiritual-gifts-262766
Deffenbaugh, Bob. Thinking Straight about Spiritual Gifts
https://bible.org/seriespage/30-thinking-straight-about-spiritual-gifts-romans-123-8
Fox, Michael. Complete in Christ. Xulon Press, 2007.
Osborne, Grant R. IVP New Testament Commentary Series: Romans. InterVarsity Press, 2004.
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. Copyright © 2000 by The Zondervan Corporation.
Reaves, Bradford. Living Sacrifices: Transforming Minds, Transforming Lives.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/living-sacrifices-transforming-minds-transforming-lives-dr-bradford-reaves-sermon-on-transformation-286029
Steckbauer, Justin. Seven Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ.
https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/seven-spiritual-gifts-in-the-body-of-christ-justin-steckbauer-sermon-on-spiritual-gifts-280845
Stedman, Ray. Who Am I, Lord? https://www.raystedman.org/new-testament/romans/who-am-i-lord
Wright, N. T. Paul for Everyone, Romans Part Two: Chapters 6-16, Kindle Edition
Yarbrough, Robert W. ESV Commentary Series: Romans - Galatians. Crossway, 2020.
Statistics from the World Health Organization
https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death
