21 Powerful Bible Verses About Encouraging Others

 

Encouragement is one of the most important ways to reach and connect with others. It is how we build each other up in faith, hope, and love.

If each one of us makes it a priority to help our loved ones feel comfortable, safe, and inspired to grow in their relationship with God, the world would be a much better place. That is because, with encouragement, people feel appreciated and supported. They feel emboldened to be the best versions of themselves. They take more risks, learn more skills, and build the confidence to impact their communities for good.

 

Who needs encouragement?

Everyone needs encouragement from time to time. It isn’t just people with low self-esteem who need to be uplifted. Even the most confident people can feel discouraged and need a booster shot of support now and again.

People who are grieving, going through a tough time, or struggling with a difficult situation can all benefit from the power of encouragement. It can pick them up when they are feeling down and give them the strength to keep going.

 

How to offer encouragement in daily life

Who can we bring some sunshine to today with a few kind words? We can encourage our children, our siblings, our friends, our parents, and our grandparents. We can also be an “encourager” at work, and with our fellow co-workers, pastors, and pastoral staff.  

An act of encouragement can be as simple as smiling at someone, sending a text message to check-in, or opening a door. But sometimes, we need to put a little more effort into our encouragement.

And that’s okay! We can still show people we care with thoughtful actions and words. When we take the time to let others know we are thinking of them, it can make a lasting difference.

Here are a few ways to offer encouragement in daily life:

• Write a letter or send a card
• Leave a positive review
• Make a phone call or send a text
• Send a meaningful gift
• Invite someone out for coffee or lunch
• Start a conversation
• Compliment someone
• Do a favor
• Make a donation

We aren’t all born encouragers, but I believe encouragement is something that we can learn.  It’s a muscle that gets stronger with use. The more we encourage others, the easier it becomes. We can even get better at knowing when it would be beneficial to encourage ourselves. 

 

Encouraging words makes a big difference

Sharing encouraging words and prayers is a way to show empathy to others. It can also help build relationships and foster communication.

When we encourage others, we give them the permission to be vulnerable. We tell them it’s okay not be perfect. We remind them they are loved and valued just as they are.

Encouragement is about helping others and helping to guide people in a positive direction that is aligned with their goals and plans. We can encourage others to complete their education, try something new, change directions, begin attending church service, volunteer in the community, quit smoking, stick to a healthy diet, work out, start something new, and the options go on and on!

If you need some encouragement or you know someone who does, read these 21 powerful Bible verses about encouraging others. Let's use them to spread the Good News and make a difference in the world around us.

 

Bible Verses About Encouraging Others

Here are 21 of my favorite verses to turn to when I need a boost, or when someone else needs some encouragement:

 

Isaiah 41:10 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 tells us to be without fear and without discouragement because we are never alone in our fears or our trials. We can rest in the assurance that God is with us through it all.

 

We are encouraged to live in peace

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

In this verse, we are warned and encouraged to live in such a way that we bring peace to our lives and to the lives of others.

 

Encouragement to repent

Even when we encourage with empathy, there are still times when tough love and urging someone to repent is necessary. 

 

2 Peter 3:9

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Sometimes we have to push others to turn away from their sins and toward God. This can be a delicate situation, but it is important to approach it with empathy and love for the person. In general, we should leave this restorative work to God and focus on ourselves. But if we believe we have been called to this specific task, then we must go forth with love and courage.

Otherwise, we can read 2 Peter 3:9 to encourage ourselves to repent when necessary. And we should remember that God is patient and he forgives. What a loving God we serve!

 

2 Corinthians 7:8-10

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while—yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 

Let the parable of the Lost Sheep encourage you

Luke 15:3-7

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

This is one of my personal favorite Bible verses. In fact, it inspired our "Left The Ninety Nine" design!

 

Give encouragement generously

Romans 12:8

If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

 

Encouragement for others

Hebrews 12:5-6

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."

What connection can we make to Hebrews 12:5-6 here? We can use this verse to encourage others. It reminds us that even though we may face difficult challenges, we should not give up because God loves us and is disciplining us for our own good. We must trust in Him and His plan for our lives, no matter how hard the journey may be. 

 

Acts 20:2

He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.

 

Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

This is a great example of how our encouragement and love for others can have a positive impact on their lives and even bring them joy. Let's strive to encourage those around us with undying support.

Next is another verse that may bring you peace in His comforting love and peace. By helping those around us, we can share this comfort with them as well. What a beautiful love!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

 

Philippians 2:1-2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Later in the chapter, we are reminded that Jesus humbled himself to death on the cross. So let's encourage and show empathy, just as Jesus did for us. Let's humble ourselves and lift others up. Let's make each other's joy complete through encouragement and empathy. 

 

Sometimes encouragement steers

Luke 12:1

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Sometimes we are warning of a better path by encouraging different choices. We should always be on the lookout for ways we can help others, even if it is by warning them of a danger ahead.

 

What did the apostles call Joseph?

Acts 4:36

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”).  

Why was he named Barnabas? Because he encouraged and lifted up those around him. He demonstrated how to support others, and Jesus calls us to follow in his footsteps.

 

An encouraging verse for ourselves

John 16:33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This is one of the simplest, yet most powerful Bible verses about encouraging others. The final line reminds us that we are not alone and with Him, we can do anything.

Sharing this uplifting word with others can change their perspective and outlook on whatever they are facing. And by re-reading it ourselves, we can be reminded that we can overcome anything with Him by our side.

 

Encouragement and hope

Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Not only do the Scriptures offer us guidance and teachings, but they also provide encouragement. This encouragement helps to build our hope. And with this hope, we can endure anything that comes our way.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:16

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope.

We have hope in our Lord and through Him, we can do all things! Amen!  

 

Isaiah 43:2

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

 

Romans 15:5-6

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

That verse is inspiring because it shows us that anxiety indicates a lack of peace. But through prayer and thanksgiving, God can give us his peace. And with that peace, we are blessed and encouraged to continue on the path He has set for us.

 

Closing thoughts

We can all use some encouragement from time to time. Sometimes encouragement helps us to grow, love better, be wiser with our words, or share more empathy. Other times, encouragement is just what we need to get through a difficult situation.

Wherever the need for encouragement arises, I suggest you keep these Bible verses about encouraging others in mind as you go about your day. In doing so, we can be the light for others and make a positive impact in our communities. Together we can uplift each other, and bring joy and refreshment to one another's hearts.​

After all, you never know when you will have the opportunity to be a Barnabas to someone in need!