Are You A Courage Giver?

So often when we say, "She is such an encouragement," we mean, "She makes me feel good." True biblical encouragement goes much further than that. It means putting courage into another person.

Encouragement is a key function of a discipler. All of us need people in our lives who will instill courage so we can walk faithfully with our God. The following questions can help you evaluate how well you are bringing encouragement to those you disciple. Each is based on a verse containing the Greek word parakaleo, a word often translated "encouragement."

• Do I think through creative ways to motivate righteous behavior in those I disciple? (Heb. 10:24–25)

• Do I make it a daily exercise to give encouragement as a preventative against the deceitfulness of sin? (Heb. 3:13)

• Do my words strengthen people to remain true to the faith? (Acts 14:21–22, 15:32)

• Do I honestly and earnestly express my desire to spend time with those I disciple? (Acts 28:20)

• Do I see emotional pain in others as something to be "comforted away," or do I recognize the need to let people mourn over sin so they can experience God's comfort and encouragement? (Mt. 5:4)

• Do I emphasize the mercies of God as the reason for responding to Him? (Ro. 12:1)

• Do I express the urgency of my own need for prayer? (Ro. 15:30)

• Do I forgive those I disciple, affirming my love for them but also communicating that they should "go and sin no more"? (2 Cor. 2:7)

• Am I willing to let others encourage me and "my" disciple? (2 Cor. 7:6–7)

• Am I helping the people I disciple to follow through on their commitments? (2 Cor. 9:5)

• Do I urge those I disciple to live in peace? (2 Cor. 13:11)

• Do my words emphasize that the purpose of God's comfort is to equip us to comfort others? (2 Cor. 1:3–5)

by Kathleen S. Holkeboer