The gift of encouragement is the ability to inspire, admonish, hearten and support others so that they are strengthened in resolve, faith and spirit.
Scriptural References
Ruth 1:16-18, Acts 11:23-24, Acts 14:21-22, Acts 15:30-32, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, 1 Timothy 4:12-14, Hebrews 10:25
Biblical Models
Ruth, Paul, Barnabas, Andrew
People with this gift can
- Strengthen and reassure those who are discouraged.
- Comfort – or confront – others to trust in God.
- Urge others to action using Biblical examples.
- Motivate others to mature in their faith.
- Practice what they preach.
Cautions
- May take on too many responsibilities and suffer personal and spiritual burn-out.
- May lack necessary wisdom, firmness and directness to deal with root problems.
- May coddle instead of correct a problem.
- May simply be superficially cheery and lack the true strength of this gift.
Personal Traits
- Positive
- Motivating
- Challenging
- Affirming
- Reassuring
- Supportive
- Trustworthy
Tips for nurturing this gift
- Be especially familiar with Biblical stories of faith: Job, the Psalms, etc.
- Train as a counsellor or pastoral visitor.
- Be sure to have your own personal support network.
Possible Tasks
Pastoral visiting, hospital visiting, working with seniors, the disabled, …
Not to be confused with the responsibility of all Christians to …
Love one another.
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(c) 2004, 2006, 2008 David Ewart, www.davidewart.ca
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