c.1300, from Old French corage (12c., Modern French courage) “heart, innermost feelings; temper,” from Vulgar Latin *coraticum (source of Italian coraggio, Spanish coraje), from Latin cor “heart” (see heart) which remains a common metaphor for inner strength.
To be encouraged means to have courage poured into us, have our hearts strengthened, so we can keep going to eventually receive what we have been hoping for, despite our present or past situations.
To be discouraged means to be disheartened, to lose our strength and determination and reason to keep going.
We need strength and endurance to live every day life, with all of its challenges. There is sickness and pain, disappointment, and unfairness in the world.
But we also need strength and endurance to walk our Christian faith out in daily life, showing the world by our every action that we truly believe in God’s goodness and love for us, and that we walk by faith and not by our own sight.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our encouragement comes from knowing that there is a greater power with us, and it is the Lord our God that helps us and fights our battles.
6 He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
However, Romans 15:4-6 say that the scriptures teach us endurance, and that through these stories of real people enduring for long periods of time, we receive strength and encouragement to keep going while we are waiting to the salvation of our God.
We must wait upon the Lord, which requires endurance until we experience the victory.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.
Psalm 40:1
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.
I wait for your salvation, Lord, and I follow your commands.
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.
Noah worked for years on the ark when he had never seen rain, but kept building in faith. He was 500 years old when he had his children, and over 600 years old when the floods came. He had to trust in what God had told him, even though years went by without any sign that the word was true.
After Samuel anointed David King over Israel, he had to first go back to his sheep, and then endure years of waiting for God’s timing to come to pass. He had to endure his mentor and father of his best friend relentlessly trying to kill him, though David had done no wrong.
Joseph had a dream during childhood, but had to be sold into slavery and sent to jail before that dream came true and he became the most powerful man in Egypt under Pharoah.
Stories like this are meant to strengthen us to keep us holding on to what we know is true of God – that He is good, and all powerful, and all knowing. If we haven’t received our victory yet, then we simply haven’t waited long enough. It will come, in one form or another.
But that is why we also need to encourage one another, so we will all be strengthened to keep on keeping on.
We are to encourage one another.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
But the Israelites encouraged one another and again took up their positions where they had stationed themselves the first day.
We need encouragement to remain true to the Lord with ALL of our heart.
When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.
Sometimes God’s people need to be encouraged in order to use their God-given gifts and calling to step into the Lord’s service.
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple.
Leaders require encouragement to lead.
But your assistant, Joshua son of Nun, will enter it. Encourage him, because he will lead Israel to inherit it.
Encouragement can come from preaching and teaching.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
Using your gift of prophecy can encourage and strengthen believers.
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
Encouragement can be a spiritual gift and service. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, was nicknamed Barnabus (“son of encouragement”) by the apostles, because he encouraged others so often. (Acts 4:36)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] 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,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
We can encourage with our words, our love and our faith expressed in everyday actions.
But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Encouragement can come supernaturally from God.
You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
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.
PARAKALEO – to call one to one’s side to walk with them, aid them.
Meeting with other brothers and sisters in person can encourage everyone’s faith.
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.
The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.
The point of being encouraged in heart (and united in love) is to know (and experience) Christ more intimately.
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Scriptural exhortations for us to encourage others:
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.