Do you have trouble finding the words to encourage others? Use these 10 Bible verses to encourage you to help others.
Everyone needs a little encouragement in their life. For those of us going through tough times (which, let’s be honest, most of us are right now), encouragement is a little something that can go a long way.
In life, we often look for the “big things” that will fix the problems in our lives, but in my experience, it’s the little things that matter most.
Encouragement is such a vital thing that we need in our lives and a beautiful way to speak life to others. Even doing something as simple as telling a loved one “you appreciate” can make their day in ways we can’t fathom.
Encouraging others in the Scriptures is a major theme that the Gospels present. The meaning of coming together and helping each other is very important to being a follower of Christ. It’s a wonderful way to remind others of their identity, purpose, and point them back to Jesus.
Individual struggles in Christ become so much more bearable when a body of believers helps you along the way and encourages you every step of the way.
Scriptures on encouraging others
1. Romans 1:11-12
I long to see you, that I may strengthen you with some spiritual gift, that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
Romans 1:11-12
When we are given spiritual gifts, we can use them to encourage others.
Some people may have and know their spiritual gifts, while others may not. Don’t let it discourage you if you are unsure or haven’t received your spiritual gift. Instead, live your faith because it will encourage others to live theirs as well.
You can be confident in the fact that God created you as an encourager with unique gifts that no one else can offer but you.
Start thinking about how you feel encouraged. Maybe you enjoy a phone call from a friend, a coffee date, a long walk, a handwritten card, or some flowers. You can also share Bible verses to encourage others.
2. Romans 15:2
Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, build them up.
Romans 15:2
We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Let’s always do good things for each other to encourage each other.
In verses 5-7, Paul says: “May God, who gives endurance and encouragement, give you the same attitude toward one another as Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord; Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, so that you may bring glory to God” (Romans 15:5-7 NIV).
As God encourages you, share that encouragement with others. Remind them that their strength comes from the Lord. Accept each other to glorify the Lord.
3. 2 Corinthians 1:4-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:4-5
Are you seeing a theme here? God has given us the perfect example in Jesus to learn to be an encourager—to be gentle, kind, comforting, compassionate.
Our God is the ultimate example of compassion and comfort. When we go through times of trouble or doubt, He will be there to comfort us. With the comfort we receive from God, we can comfort others who are going through difficult times.
Maybe it’s in practical ways, like bringing them over for dinner or inviting them to spend time together. Maybe you are the one who prays for them and reminds them that God is here with them even now, in difficult times.
A woman at my church recently told me that my sister was a source of comfort to her when their baby was born and they had to be with her in the NICU for weeks. When I presented it to my sister, she was floored because she thought she had done so little by “just” bringing her dinner and checking on her in the process.
What may seem like a small way to offer you comfort can be a lifeline to someone who is going through a difficult time.
4. Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
No one likes to go through difficult things, especially alone. Stand by someone who is going through something rough and help them carry their burdens. Mourn with those who mourn. Send them a card. Check them out. Pray for them.
When you’re going through really tough times, it can be so hard to watch the world move on as if nothing is happening. Be the person to see them through their suffering and take the time to stop and just be there with them.
Helping others carry their burdens will encourage them that they can get through it and help them experience more joy along the way.
5. Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is useful for building others up according to their needs, to benefit the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
Our words are powerful. they carry the power of life and death. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the toothpaste bottle analogy (once the toothpaste is squeezed out of the bottle, it’s really hard to put 100% of it back in), but that’s just how it works when the words come. out of our mouths.
Once we say something, it’s out there and we can’t take it back.
Words are memorable and powerful (especially for an affirmative like me), so be intentional about using your words to speak about life.
Use your words to encourage and uplift others as a practical way to share God’s love. Tell people they matter. They are loved as they are. Whether you say words directly to them, write them in a card, or print them in a text or email, talk to the people in your life.
6. Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility esteem others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
My best friend is a master of this skill of being genuinely interested in any topic, not because she cares about the subject, but because she cares about the person speaking. Whether the person is talking about weight loss, the roof, or fashion, they are equally invested in the conversation.
Encourage others by looking at their interests. It’s a really powerful way to show that you really appreciate them.
Everyone needs a reminder of how appreciated they really are.
7. 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
Paul wrote this to remind people that the Lord’s return is encouraging.
In the verses preceding it, it is said: “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV).
Let’s encourage each other with this verse. The Lord will return to earth and we will go to heaven to be with Him forever.
This whole passage is so encouraging. If you want, go back to 1 Thessalonians 4 and read verses 13-18.
Knowing that our lives will not end on this earth, that we will be with God forever, should be encouraging to everyone. We’re not there yet. We are not complete yet. There will be suffering, people will discourage us, we will want to give up, and we will not feel fully satisfied until we are with Jesus. That day may not be today, but we can always hope that it is coming.
8. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage one another and build one another up, as you really do.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Paul writes to the Thessalonians. In verses 9-11 he says: “For God did not appoint us to be angry, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. So encourage one another and build one another up, as you really do.”
We are all one under Christ. Jesus died for each of us so that we would not suffer. Let’s encourage each other with those words. His grace is sufficient, His sacrifice for our sins is sufficient, He is sufficient for us.
9. Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may incite one another to love and good works, not refusing to meet together, as some are wont to do, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
I think this is such an important passage for the times we live in right now.
What struck me in this passage was “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as some are wont to do.”
How many of you have gotten into the habit of not seeing people as often because of the pandemic? It was such an easy habit to slip into, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to encourage others.
As we navigate these difficult times, I encourage you to think, if you are not dating together, how are you motivating each other to love and good works? How can you encourage others?
There are so many things you can do. For example, sending letters in the mail, leaving favors for others, phone calls, a simple text saying, “I’m praying for you” or “You are loved.”
But as the world will hopefully open up soon, don’t let these good deeds completely replace meeting others. As God says. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
God loves fellowship. He wants us to meet together. He wants us to encourage one another when we meet together. Showing people God’s love through our own love and actions. “Dear children, let us not love in word or word, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Showing love through our actions can be one of the most powerful ways to encourage others, especially in times like these.
10. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8
“Love each other deeply.” We can encourage each other by loving deeply.
Maybe loving someone deeply today means forgiving them for hurting your feelings. Perhaps that means asking them a few questions that go deeper than the usual small talk; “How are you doing?” Maybe that means praying for them, showing up to their kid’s soccer game, or inviting them to dinner.
How can you deepen your love for someone in your life one level today?