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Today’s blog we'll cover why it’s just as important as any time to serve our communities with encouragement and edification, as well as five bible verses that pastors can teach to promote encouragement during times of struggle.
The world has always been full of trials and tribulations, from Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit, to the ongoing stressors, societal and global issues we’re so familiar with today.
There are plenty of verses and examples in the Bible that pastors can teach a message on overcoming the hardships of the world, such as looking to Romans 5:3-5, James 1:12, or specific characters of the Bible. While it’s good to have our faith tested, learn to set our minds on God, and overcome adversity, it’s also important that we learn to practice and become a source of encouragement for each other during times of difficulty.
Today’s blog will be going over why it’s just as important as anytime to serve our communities with encouragement and edification, as well as five bible verses that pastors can teach on to promote encouragement during times of struggle.
American culture tends to have an admiration for the hero who overcomes adversity, in spite of the odds being against them. We love to see Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt overcome death-defying missions in the Mission Impossible franchise, or people like Bethany Hamilton continuing to surf professionally after losing her arm to a tragic shark attack. While these types of stories inspire us, we don’t need to go through our struggles alone.
As a community united by Christ, it’s important that we’re able to show up for one another, offering encouragement, strengthening one another, and being a reminder that we are not alone in suffering or distress. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
So, let’s get into it. The following are five verses that pastors can teach their congregations to encourage one another.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
This passage from the book of Hebrews highlights the importance of coming together for communal worship and fellowship, prioritizing one another in mutual encouragement. It reminds us of our responsibility to uplift and inspire one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the body of believers.
As put by Mike Mobley of the nonprofit organization Before the Cross:
“The Church is made up of many members and not just one. God hasn’t called you to follow Him and be on your own, but rather has given you a purpose and you are to live that out within the Church.”
By teaching on this verse, pastors can emphasize the importance of showing up for others; cultivating a community of support, where each member plays a vital role in driving others toward love and righteousness until Jesus’s return.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
In this verse, the apostle Paul urges believers to actively engage in the practice of mutual encouragement in spite of how dark the days get. By uplifting and building each other up, we strengthen the bonds of fellowship and create a nurturing environment for spiritual growth –– to be “children of the light and children of the day” rather than being “like others, who are asleep” (1 Thessalonians 5:5,6).
As pastors teach on this verse, they can inspire their congregants to affirm one another; remaining in faith and hope in God, rather than fearing destruction.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
This verse from the book of Ephesians reminds us of the power of our words and how they can shape our communities. In today’s society, it can be easy for a lot of us to be deprecating, sarcastic, and even cynical –– projecting words of hurt, doubt, or jealousy onto one another rather than words of affirmation and encouragement.
According to Seattle Christian Counseling:
“Our words can impact how we think of ourselves, and they can have a deep impact on others as well. It matters how we use our words because hurtful words have an afterlife that allows them to continue wreaking havoc long after we’ve said them.”
As pastors teach on this verse, they can emphasize the importance of speaking words of kindness, encouragement, and affirmation to one another. By placing importance on the way congregants speak to one another, believers can create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their journey of faith.
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
In times of trial, the support of fellow believers can be a source of immense comfort and strength. This verse from the book of Galatians pushes believers to bear one another's burdens, embodying the selfless love exemplified by Christ.
Terry Enns of the organization CBCD (Center for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship), says:
“We are inconvenienced in caring for others [...] because we love Christ and because we love them. The nature of love is not to be served, but to serve. The nature of love is not to get, but to give. The nature of love is not to impose on others for personal gain, but to experience imposition for the purpose of being poured out and used up (2 Timothy 4:6).”
As pastors teach this verse, they can encourage their congregants to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards one another, offering practical assistance and emotional support to those in need.
"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."
This passage serves as a beautiful prayer for cultivating a community of unity and encouragement among believers. It puts God first as the ultimate source of endurance and encouragement, calling the Church to take on the same attitude of love and support that Christ modeled for us during His time on Earth.
As pastors teach on this verse, they can remind their congregants of our calling to love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). In our common goal to glorify God and His Kingdom, it’s important to work in unity, resiliently, and with encouragement.
When it comes to crafting a message on encouraging one another in times of hardship, pastors have the assistance of online sermon writing tools to make the most of that message. These writing tools are able to generate effective sermon outlines, quick search verses and Bible stories, create character studies, and even come up with modern-day examples of Biblical stories.
While it’s important to seek God during times of hardship, whether it’s what is going on in our personal lives or the world around us, we shouldn’t neglect our calling to encourage one another as a community united by Christ and His love for us. Preaching on these kinds of verses is a good way for pastors to remind their congregations of some of the ways we’re called to love and support one another, obediently living out the life Jesus modeled for us. As the body of Christ, we don’t need to struggle in solitude –– but rather in a community of support.
