The Duty of Encouragement

Encouragement is a powerful, biblical command that all believers are called to, yet many men often find it awkward. Why is that? For men, expressing emotion can feel uncomfortable or even silly, especially when it challenges the norms of masculine behavior. Yet, encouragement is not optional. The Bible presents it as a vital practice, especially within Christian fellowship, where its absence can lead to isolation, and its presence can bring comfort and courage.

Consider the example of the Apostle Paul, who received encouragement from Christ during his trial in Rome (Acts 23:11). This divine encouragement came in three key parts: remembering God’s past faithfulness, finding strength in the present moment, and focusing on future hope. These elements provide a biblical blueprint for how men can offer meaningful support to one another.

Reflecting on God's Past Faithfulness

Paul’s encouragement began with a reminder of his past obedience. This is an essential way believers can strengthen others, particularly by helping them recall how God has shown His faithfulness in their lives. Reflecting on personal experiences can serve as a reminder that God’s provision has never failed us, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Scriptures often emphasize the importance of remembering God's past acts, such as in Psalms 42–43, where the psalmist encourages believers to find hope by recalling God's salvation.

Being Encouraged in the Present

In moments of present difficulty, the Bible urges us to take courage. Life brings inevitable challenges: illness, financial troubles, or relational conflicts. But encouragement in the moment comes from trusting that God is with us. As David writes in Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.” Sometimes, it’s the fellowship of other believers that offers the most immediate encouragement, like when Paul found comfort in Titus’s arrival during his trials (2 Corinthians 7:6).

The role of Christian fellowship cannot be overstated in these moments. Studies even suggest that people in strong community networks experience better mental health and increased resilience in times of stress.

Focusing on Future Hope

The most enduring encouragement in Scripture points to our future with Christ. Paul’s reminder in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 speaks of the ultimate hope believers have in Christ’s return and eternal life with Him. No earthly trouble can overshadow the promise of eternal joy for those who remain faithful. Encouraging others with this eternal perspective can bring peace, especially when facing life’s most difficult moments.

How Men Can Practice Encouragement

So how can men embrace this biblical duty of encouragement in practical ways?

• Create a Culture of Encouragement: Whether it’s in church, at work, or among friends, men can lead by offering words of affirmation. Recognizing spiritual growth, like a man’s first sermon or teaching moment, can uplift others and cultivate a supportive environment.

• Gossip Good News: Instead of allowing conversations to drift toward criticism, focus on sharing positive reports about others. The Apostle Paul did this with Tychicus (Colossians 4:7–8), spreading good news to encourage the hearts of fellow believers.

• Encourage Yourself: Sometimes, the most important person to encourage is yourself. When feelings of inadequacy or discouragement arise, follow the example of the psalmist, who speaks truth to himself (Psalm 42:5). Remind yourself of God’s promises and the hope you have in Christ.

• Encourage Righteous Action: Encouragement doesn’t always mean comfort. At times, it involves calling others to godly action, like when Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to work diligently (2 Thessalonians 3:12). Encouraging others to stand for truth and live righteously is crucial, especially in a world that often opposes godliness.

• Pursue the Ministry of Encouragement: Many men rely solely on their spouses for friendship, missing out on the opportunity to form deep, encouraging relationships with other men. Developing these friendships, particularly within the church, can lead to spiritual growth and mutual support. Encouraging others brings joy not only to the recipient but also to the encourager.

A Final Word

While it may feel awkward at first, practicing encouragement is a powerful way to build up the body of Christ. Men, in particular, should embrace this biblical command with the same courage they display in other areas of life. The joy and strength it brings to both the giver and receiver is a testament to God’s design for Christian fellowship.

Encourage one another today, and you may find yourself encouraged in return.

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