Scripture Passages
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, English Standard Version)
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 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. (Hebrews 10:24 – 25, English Standard Version)
11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, English Standard Version)
Introduction
As a reminder, we are considering how Jesus uses Exercise, Example, and Encouragement to strengthen us to overcome challenges. Yesterday we considered Example. In the commentary, there was a strong emphasis on Jesus being our perfect example. There was also recognition that we can learn from the example of other biblical figures and other Christians, including our contemporaries. Many commentators expressed the need to be prayerfully cautious about whose example we follow. Finally, a few commentators reminded us of the awesome responsibility we have to be a Christ-like example. Thank you commentators for your insightful comments!
Today we conclude our Group Bible Study by considering the role of encouragement. Here are three assertions to help our discussion. First, encouragement does not thrive in a “transactional” (what’s in it for me?) culture. Second, honest encouragement requires knowledge of others. Third, Jesus set the standard in the way he encouraged His disciples.
Discussion
Prayerfully read the Scripture passages above. What do you think about the above assertions? What are your thoughts on how the Holy Spirit uses encouragement to strengthen us?
Important Reminder
Please note that later today you will be receiving the Challenge for next week. Please look out for it so you can prepare.
February 20, 2026 at 6:54 am
This statement is highly accurate, as encouragement relies on trust and motivation, both of which are stifled in a “what’s in it for me?” (transactional) environment. This type of culture often fails to foster genuine engagement, treating people as instruments rather than individuals.
Genuine encouragement is not merely about saying nice things, but about providing “courage” to someone by understanding their strengths, struggles, and potential.
The Holy Spirit
encourages by bringing Scripture to mind, reassuring us of God’s presence, transforming, and interceding for us in prayer.
February 20, 2026 at 8:34 am
The words from the passage in Hebrews brings to mind testimony nights at churches I attended growing up. Songs of God’s goodness and grace were sung and person after person would recount publicly how God had intervened in their circumstances.
The Holy Spirit would use those testimonies to encourage the heart of this still awaiting His intervention in their situation. Faith is strengthened and renewed as we gather together and spur each other on in love.
February 20, 2026 at 12:50 pm
The Holy Spirit uses encouragement to strengthen us, because we desperately need it. Our source and foundation should be from Jesus and He provides this through the gift of the Holy Spirit; The Helper (John 14:25).
In addition, according to the passages above we ought to also partner with God in the encouragement aspect. Among many other things, the Holy Spirit works to encourage us and in return we ought to do the same for each other. We need constant refreshing and a reminding because life is hard.
February 21, 2026 at 9:46 am
1. When I read that encouragement does not thrive in a transactional culture, my mind immediately went to Hebrews 10:24-25. Transactional culture often asks, “What is in it for me?” But biblical encouragement flows from love, and love is not conditional. Jesus loves us unconditionally. Scripture says we love because He first loved us. That love is not based on performance or what we can offer in return.
Because encouragement should come from a place of Christlike love, it should not depend on what we gain. If we truly love someone, we want to build them up in their race. We want to strengthen them to continue walking the path God has set before them. Encouragement rooted in love is not jealous, competitive, or self serving. It is selfless and intentional. Just like love is a choice, encouragement is also a choice. It is not just a feeling but an action. After choosing to love, we actively support, speak life, and strengthen others in practical ways.
2. The idea that honest encouragement requires knowledge of others made me think about how important it is to truly know someone. If we understand a person’s patterns, weaknesses, or the seasons when they tend to grow weary, we can encourage them more specifically and effectively. Encouragement becomes personal instead of generic.
For example, if we know someone is struggling spiritually, encouragement may look like inviting them to Bible study, praying with them, sending them Scripture, or simply checking in consistently. Honest encouragement involves action. It may mean guiding someone back to truth, supporting them in community, or walking with them through a difficult season. When we take time to know one another, our encouragement becomes intentional and strengthening.
Jesus is the perfect example of encouragement. Throughout His ministry, the disciples often misunderstood Him or failed Him. Yet He continued to teach them, correct them, and send them out again. His encouragement was not empty praise. It included correction, discipline, and restoration.
An example that came to mind is when Peter denied Jesus three times. After the resurrection, Jesus did not shame Peter. Instead, He asked him three times, “Do you love Me?” and then told him, “Feed My sheep.” This moment highlights the importance of guiding, teaching, and supporting fellow believers in their faith journey. Even after failure, Jesus restored Peter and entrusted him with responsibility. That is true encouragement. It restores identity and calls someone higher instead of casting them aside.
3. I believe the Holy Spirit uses encouragement to strengthen us in very personal ways. He reminds us of truth when we feel weak. He works through other believers who speak life into us. He convicts us, but He also restores us and gives us courage to keep going. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that our strength comes through Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure and also uses us to strengthen others.
Encouragement, then, is love in action. It is intentional. It requires knowledge, compassion, and obedience. Through it, the Holy Spirit builds up the body of Christ and helps us continue running the race set before us.
February 21, 2026 at 8:59 pm
I agree with the first assertion because true encouragement will be most effective in the context of genuine love, care and concern for the other.
I agree partially with the second assertion because encouragement from a complete stranger is very possible, if the motives are pure and care and care and concern for the other is genuine.
Jesus set the standard because Jesus is the standard of self less love, care and concern for another and has full knowledge of us. In fact, there was no prerequisite for Him to provide the ultimate encouragement of releasing us from the enemy of our soul – Satan, sin and death. He willingly laid down His life so that we could have life because that is who He is.