Look at the word ‘encouragement.’ In the middle of it there is the word ‘courage.’ It’s based on an old French word for heart: ‘corage.’ 

Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someone’s heart—who they are within—so that they can face the battles of life. 

As Jesus’ people, encouragement isn’t just something we receive, but something we share with others as well. We are in the heart enlargement business. Encouragement can help beat back the darkness which can so quickly surround us.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Paul says: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” 

Take note of the two phrases he uses. The first is “encourage one another.” The second is “build one another up.” Those phrases are not unrelated. They are connected. When you encourage someone you are also building them up. It’s not like your words or actions just disappear into the air. They make a difference. Just as a house is built with a foundation, materials, walls and a roof, so are people built up with encouragement.

Today, remember that you are in the heart enlargement business. Be proactive about building someone up.

Encouragement is about enlarging or fortifying someone’s heart—who they are within—so that they can face the battles of life. 

Notes:

-“Encouragement in the Valley.” Click here. Sermon.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.