I was recently attending a breakout session at the 2025 Gospel Coalition National Conference and the speaker brought up the value of encouraging a young pastor. That got me to thinking about the idea of encouragement. What are some situations in which you can offer encouragement to someone? Here are a few possibilities:
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- To a co-worker struggling with the demands of the job
- To an exhausted young mom
- To someone dealing with aging
- To a friend who longs to move into a leadership position
- To a friend who is facing financial pressures
- To your pastor who is facing burnout
- To your spouse on just an ordinary day
- To a friend who has just received a devastating medical diagnosis
- To a student struggling with a class
- To friends who long to have a child but have not to date
I’m sure you can think of many more situations. We can also look at it from another perspective. In what situations are you facing in which you could use encouragement?
The Bible has much to say about encouragement. Be encouraged by these ten passages:
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Isaiah 41:10
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
Yes, life can be hard in so many ways. But friends, I pray that you are encouraged today and that you will be an encouragement to others.
Bill Pence is a former Fortune 50 manager, church leader, and lifelong learner passionate about helping others grow and thrive. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, he draws inspiration from Colossians 3:23 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Bill enjoys a wide range of music, from modern hymns to Christian hip-hop and classic rock. He and his wife Tammy, a Covenant Seminary graduate, have both authored books—Called to Lead: Living and Leading for Jesus in The Workplace (Bill) and Study, Savor and Share Scripture: Becoming What We Behold (Tammy). To read more of Bill’s work visit his blog.
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Books by Bill Pence
Love it! Encouragement is not just a mere platitude, but an essential, powerful, and practical demonstration of Christian love and truth that fosters healing and spiritual growth in oneself and others.
Your friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno