Encouraging encouragement
Reflection by Roger Chilvers
Although every church has its own character, there is a wide range of characteristics that almost every church has in common – teaching, singing and evangelism being amongst the most obvious, even though they may be practised very differently from church to church. Whilst every generation is different, one characteristic that seems to be raising its head more and more today is the lack of encouragement. As almost everyone who has the opportunity to visit a variety of local churches can testify, encouragement is in very short supply. Everyone wants it and everyone needs it, but so few seem to find or show it.
So, if there is one thing that needs encouragement, it is the ministry of encouragement!
Even a quick glance at the New Testament church reveals that where there was growth and progress, there was a strong element of encouragement. It is well known that one of those at the forefront of this was Barnabas. In fact, Barnabas wasn’t even his real name – he was Joseph – but the Apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas, meaning ‘Son of Encouragement.’ Joseph means ‘God will increase’, which so often combines with encouragement, so that where there is encouragement there is increase (Acts 11:23). It is such an important gift that when Paul writes about spiritual gifts in Romans 12:8, his mind turns quickly to encouragement: “We have different gifts according to the grace given to us … if it is encouraging, let him encourage.” Nike may say ‘Just do it’, but when it comes to encouragement, perhaps it should be the Christian’s maxim too!
Yet there are many things that so easily discourage. As I write, many church leaders are saying that things have never been so bad. It is not unusual for Counties evangelists to be asked to spend time with discouraged elders and church leaders who say: “We’ve tried everything and still we seem to be going downhill.” And with discouragement comes the temptation to give up, to surrender what once was so exciting, so that stagnation takes over. What are some of the things that lead to this paralysing discouragement?
The temptation to discouragement because of suffering
Paul implored the church at Ephesus: “I beg you not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you.” (Ephesians 3:13). Whether it is our suffering or that of someone else, it is so easy to lose courage, especially when the pain goes on and on.
The temptation to discouragement because of sin
Hebrews 12 reminds us to “throw off everything and the sin that so easily entangles” (v.1) and to keep our eyes on Jesus so that we “don’t grow weary or discouraged and lose heart” (v.3). No doubt this is why Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “Never tire of doing what is right” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).
The temptation to discouragement because of unanswered prayer
Surely we all know what it is to pray frequently and passionately for the Lord to act – perhaps particularly to bring our children or friends to Himself – and to find what seems like no answer. The silence of heaven is so discouraging. Yet in Luke 18, Jesus told a parable to show “that they should always pray and not give up” (v.1).
The temptation to discouragement because of apparently unfruitful work, especially evangelism
It is easy to focus on the apparent lack of success and become discouraged. But when you remember that the very proclamation of the Gospel is a privilege given by God, how can we become discouraged? “Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1).
However, thankfully, there are so many things that can only do the opposite. Here are some that the Bible speaks about:
Focus on fellowship with other Christians
Frequently, the natural response to discouragement is to stop meeting together – to drift away. Yet that is the very thing we need. Paul writes to Philemon: “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (Philemon 7). To the Thessalonians he says: “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Focus on the preaching of God’s Word
It is surely not surprising that we become discouraged when we neglect God’s Word, for it was given to encourage us through its teaching: “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
Focus on the Christian’s glorious future
The well-known couplet from C.T. Studd reminds us: ‘Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.’ What we see here and now will soon be past. A glorious future awaits every believer: “We shall meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18).
Focus on God Himself
It is so easy to focus on ourselves, our failures and weaknesses, which is bound to be discouraging. But the Bible calls us to focus on God Himself. God the Father is “God who gives endurance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5). God the Son “speaks to the Father in our defence – Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). And of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever, the Spirit of Truth.”
Every one of these is a call not to be discouraged but to the opposite. The New Testament word used in each of the above examples is ‘paraklesis’ – meaning to ‘call alongside’ to strengthen and comfort. In times of stress and pressure, these are the things we should actively call alongside to avoid discouragement.
The challenge is not only for us as individuals and churches, but to come alongside those who are struggling. It is amazing what a simple word or a meeting over coffee can do to strengthen someone. How about an email, a text or a call to someone right now?
The Apostle Paul gives us an example of doing just that: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).