2. Introduction
Encouragement is a vital and a key component of our relationship with one another.
“Encouragement is oxygen for the soul.” ~George M. Adams
“We live by encouragement and die without it—slowly, sadly and angrily.” ~Celeste Holme
“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.” ~Unknown
There is not a single person, regardless of how strong, that doesn’t need encouragement.

3.
Encourage One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11

4. Everyone needs encouragement
Some put on airs, “I’m so strong I don’t need encouragement.
Others may be classified as “encouragement sponges.”
All need encouragement…even pillars of strength! 2 Cor. 1:8
Some carry a greater weight of difficulties in life.
Some carry a greater burden of responsibilities.
Some are so busy encouraging others their bucket runs dry.
Some are young or weak in the faith, some deal with health issues, financial issues, elderly issues, broken hearts, broken relationships, etc.
Encouragement is mutual edification and a mutual responsibility: 1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 10:24-25
Encouraging One Another

5. Encouraging One Another
They are not alone
Loneliness is the catastrophic result of discouragement.
Loneliness can fill the heart with feelings that nobody cares; even God: Heb. 13:5
Job was VERY discouraged: Job 1:16, 18-19; 2:7, 9, 13
Just “being there”; even if words are not spoken, can be the sound of encouragement.
We are “fellows” due to our “fellowship”; due to our “like precious faith”: 1 Pet. 1:1
Even if not physically together we can touch one another’s lives (phone, text, , card); let’s others know we love them and pray for them: Heb. 3:18; 2 Cor. 1:11; Col. 1:9; Jas. 5:16
Encouraging One Another

6. Encouraging One Another
Soul strengthening
True encouragement is more than cute sayings and quotes cross stitched on pillows.
True encouragement is always rooted in God and His Word: Phil. 2:1-4; 2 Thess. 2:16-17; Heb. 6:17-20; 2 Cor. 1:3-4
True encouragement is more than keeping an optimistic attitude; it’s sharing God’s Word and blessings; helping others on their spiritual journey: Isa. 35; Gal. 6:1-3; Heb. 12:12-13
Encouragement is about staying in the spiritual fight; not giving up on God and His people.
Helping others keep the vicissitudes of life in their proper perspective and proportion: 2 Cor. 4:16-5:1
Encouragement is spiritual; it’s Bible based: Josh. 1:9; Rom. 8:31-32; Eph. 3:20
Encouraging One Another

7. Some are better at it than others
Some have a gift when it comes to encouraging others.
Some not, but all can learn to be better at encouraging others.
Work at developing our empathy.
Learn when to say or do; when not to say or do: Prov. 25:11; 17:27
Learn how to use the Scriptures to encourage.
It involves knowing what encouraged you when you needed it.
Empathy involves “walking in the other guy’s shoes”; not being overly judgmental: Gal. 6:1-2
Recall how the Lord encouraged Elijah: 1 Kgs. 19
We need to reach out like the Lord did to Peter (Matt. 14:29- 33) rather than castigate and incriminate.
Encouraging One Another

8. We are encouraged in different ways
Some respond to a simple approach; for others a lot more forethought, time and effort are required.
Each of us are different; our problems are different; our faith is at a different level.
Effective encouragers understand that each person doesn’t respond the same; one size doesn’t fit all.
Don’t hesitate to ask those closer to the person and situation for advice.
Don’t rush in blindly without knowing the circumstances.
Sometimes waiting, or using someone else better suited, may be the best course to follow.
Encouraging One Another

9. Encouraging One Another
CONCLUSION
Encouragement is a rare commodity; the world doesn’t provide much.
Brothers and sisters in Christ should be in the encouragement business: No brother or sister should ever be alone!
Our congregation should be a source of warmth, hope, love and encouragement; that’s why Christian fellowship is so special.
The closer a church becomes, the greater the help and encouragement will be: Heb. 10:24-25
The brethren at Thessalonica were already involved in encouraging one another; Paul encourages them to keep it up! 1 Thess. 5:11
Encouraging One Another