“So encourage each other and build each other up just as you are already doing” (1 Thess 5:11; NLT). We also see the words, “encourage one another” in Heb 10:25. Our speech should also encourage others (Eph 4:29) In that verse the words build up and edify are used instead of encourage in some translations. 1 Thess 5:14 tells us to encourage the disheartened and Gal 6:2 tells us to carry each other’s burdens. Jesus was an encourager as we see in the gospels, He frequently told the people He was relating to not to fear but to, “cheer up.” For example, when the disciples were caught in a storm Jesus told them to, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (Matt 14:27; NKJV). Then in John 16:33 He says, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (NKJV). It doesn’t get more encouraging than that! The early church also made encouragement a part of their ministry. We read in Acts 13:15 that Paul and Barnabas were asked if they had any word of encouragement for the church in Antioch and they did! (Acts 16:40; See also Acts 18:27, 20:1-2, 27:36). So, I encourage you today to look for ways you can encourage someone, whether it be a note, a phone call, text or kind word; that way you will be a doer of the word and pleasing to God.