Encouragers

The Incredibles is an entertaining Pixar animated film depicting a seemingly ordinary family with supernatural powers. Desiring to avoid attention, this undercover family lives covertly, yet when trouble arises and circumstances dictate, they move immediately into superhero mode releasing their power for the benefit of others. Although this is obviously a fictional film, there are actually several positive practical life applications regarding the wise use of innate talents and personal strengths for the purpose of helping others. I share this by way of segue to discuss another group of distinguished individuals, who unlike the fictional characters in this movie, are real-life heroes. And the distinguished group I am referring to is that of Encouragers. Encouragers are those individuals who use their gifts, time, talent, words and actions with the intent purpose of building up, exhorting or blessing others. These are ordinary people with extraordinary love. They don’t wear capes, bear titles or seek attention, but they are true superheroes nonetheless wielding their power to bring encouragement to others.

I honestly don’t think we fully comprehend the incredible significance of encouragement. If we did, I believe we would be much more intentional about maintaining a courageous spirit personally and gracious in extending encouragement to others. Far more than a feel-good perk or a positive atta boy, encouragement is a vital need that every person has; the need to be encouraged, validated, appreciated, seen. Wedged in between the prefix en and the suffix ment, is the root word courage, and living with courage is no small matter. The opposite of courage is fear, and fear (unhealthy fear that is) hinders, cripples and lies. But encouragement, godly encouragement, empowers, inspires and boosts confidence.

One of the many things I love about the Bible is that it is not limited to inspiration and revelation but is additionally a practical reference book providing godly insight for living effectively in the world and positively with others. I share this as in my search to find examples of encouragers, and understand the critical need for encouragement, I sought God’s Word. Through my study on this topic, I’ve concluded that at its core encouragement is truly a ministry, and one that all Christ followers are called to. While there are an abundance of scriptures and numerous inspiring narratives calling attention to this subject, I’ve chosen to highlight one specific, subtle and potentially overlooked account. The story I am referring to is included in the book of 2 Corinthians and it is the chronicle of a weary minister and his supportive friend.

In this narrative the apostle Paul, an itinerant evangelist, has recently left the city of Troas enroute to Macedonia anticipating a visit from friend and fellow believer, Titus. Since Paul’s arrival in the new city, he has been anxiously awaiting a report regarding the Corinthian believers to glean how they are faring following a confrontational letter he had recently sent to the church. Confrontation is never an easy task for anyone on any level, but regardless, it is something we all must learn to receive with humility (when confronted) and execute with grace (when confronting) and all for the purpose of maintaining and sustaining healthy relationships. Additionally, engaging in confrontation will eventually be required of anyone who holds the mantle of leadership in order to rightly address wrongs and discipline with love.

“I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.”

The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT

Paul is a strong leader. He is bold in his faith and confident in his mission. He does not run from conflict, nor does he shrink back from opposition. Rather he lives in the certainty of his purpose, assured that God has called him and is with Him. At the same time, he is also only human and like every other person on the planet, at various times becomes weighed down with the trials and hardships of life, and for Paul this was one of those times.

“When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.”

The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:5 NLT

At distinct times and seasons in our lives we all find ourselves longing for a good report, a positive word, an announcement of grace that will bring peace to our spirit and healing to our hearts. And God in his grace and mercy responded to Paul’s anxious spirit with a visit from a friend.

But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 

The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:6 NLT

Titus, a co-laborer of the gospel as well as companion of Paul’s, offers much needed encouragement and assistance to his friend and mentor in two very practical, yet incredibly meaningful ways.

First, he shows up.

This may seem like an insignificant action, but it certainly wasn’t to Paul, Titus made the time to travel to Macedonia with the sole purpose of personally delivering a positive report to his friend. He offered support by making himself available. Showing up for someone in need speaks volumes, and sends the following messages:

You are important to me.

I care about you. 

You are not alone.

Next, he speaks up.

In addition to showing up, Titus also arrives with good news! He refreshes Paul’s spirit by sharing a positive report. Although it is not recorded in scripture, it’s altogether possible that there may have been a small fraction of push back regarding Paul’s letter. Titus may have overheard a few negative words of criticism and perhaps even a disturbing report or two from an individual or group of people, but instead of focusing on the minority, he only brings to Paul what was needful and beneficial; the overwhelming, positive majority report. And the result of Titus’ visit and the uplifting report that he brought with him, is summed up in Paul’s words:

When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!”

The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:5-7 NLT

And this story only gets better, as extending encouragement often results in a  positive reciprocal effect. And such was the case with Titus who was equally blessed by both receiving the good news from the Corinthian believers, and then delivering the encouraging report to Paul.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was about the way all of you welcomed him and set his mind at ease.”

The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 7:13 NLT

The narrative of Titus’ arrival is a wonderful example of an everyday, ordinary encourager in action. Titus wasn’t the leader of the ministry of encouragement in the early church, at least not that we know of. And more than likely he hadn’t received formal training outlining the top ten steps to encouraging others. Additionally, he did not hold the title, son of encouragement, as did his contemporary, Barnabas. He was simply a caring friend doing what he could for the benefit of another. He was an encourager! And God worked through him in a most significant way to bring courage and comfort at a critical point in time to a minister in need.

In closing, I believe that wherever we may presently find ourselves on the Richter scale of encouragement, there is always room for personal growth. We can each do our part, and we must, and we can. A broken and hopeless world needs to see the goodness and grace of a loving God in action. What we have freely received in Christ is a life-empowering gift and one we are called to extend to others. And a practical and positive first step in releasing this gift is by committing to be an encourager. Oftentimes, it’s the little things we do, the small acts of service, our seemingly insignificant deeds that God uses and works through to make a big impact and incredible difference in the life of another. A kind word, a helpful action, a considerate gesture, may not seem like much, but in reality, these actions have the power to not simply brighten someone’s day, but additionally have the potential to change the trajectory of someone’s life, and possibly even alter the course of their eternal future.

So will you join me? Together we can make a difference. Let’s commit together to be the distinct, unique people we were created to be. Let’s walk courageously and brightly in the light of God’s truth and love. May we be noticers, people who walk with a spiritual antenna, aware of the needs of others. May we extend grace, mercy and genuine kindness to others. May we walk in the ministry of encouragement, and may we be known as encouragers.

God bless you my friends!

“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB2020

Personal Reflection:

What positive steps are you presently taking to maintain a courageous spirit?

Recall a time when you were in need of encouragement. How was that need met?

Who are the Tituses in your life that you can count on to show up and speak up?

Who in your life needs your encouragement today? How will you meet that need?

If you have been encouraged by today’s post, please share it with a friend!