Definition: The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
Synonyms: assistance; backing; cheer; comfort; consolation; faith; inspiration; optimism; reassurance; relief; reward.
Biblical Passages:
Acts 4:36-37—Mention Barnabas (son of encouragement)
Acts 9:27—Barnabas brought Saul/Paul to the apostles
Acts 11—Encouraged brethren in Antioch
Acts 13:2—Barnabas and Saul set apart by God for the work
Acts 14-Performed signs and wonders
Galatians 2—Led astray like Peter for a period
Colossians 4:10—Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. Believe that Paul and Barnabas made amends. Reconciliation in 2 Tim. 4:11.
1 Cor. 12:14-26—Importance of the various parts of the church.
Isaiah 55:11—Word will not return void
Joshua 1:9—Joshua encouraged by God to not fear
Deut. 31:6-8—Lord will never leave nor forsake you. Heb. 13:5 ref.
Matt. 28:20—I am with you always
1 Peter 5:7—Casting all anxieties because he cares
Phil.4:6-7, 13—Do not be anxious about anything; Peace surpasses all understanding. I can do all things through Christ.
John 14—Let your heart not be troubled. House with many rooms. Go to prepare a place
1 Cor. 10:13—Temptation common to man. God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
Phil. 3:7ff—All things as rubbish to gain Christ
Heb. 4:5—Jesus knows what we are facing, being that he was tempted in every way.
2 Cor. 12:9-10—My grace is sufficient.
2 Tim. 1:7—Given a Spirit of power and not timidity
Matt. 11:28—I will give you rest
John 16:33—Jesus overcome the world
2 Thess. 3:33—Guard against the evil one
James 1:2—Count it joy when you suffer
Matt. 19—Giving up things for Christ (family, material things)
Pauline letters filled with encouragement for the churches
1 Thess. 5:11—build one another up
2 Cor. 1—God of all comfort
1 Cor. 15:58—Labor is not in vain
Heb. 10:24ff—encourage one another to good deeds/assemble with one another
Rom. 8:31;38-39—If God is for us, nothing can separate us from the love of God
Psalm 23—The Lord is my Shepherd