A Source of Encouragement

Every believer needs encouragement. The Bible makes it plain that believers need to know that others are praying for them or that they are going through the same trials as they are. The Lord Jesus was glad of the companionship of others as was the apostle Paul. Encouragement is most needed for the Christian in the area of spiritual life and progress. Faith can be weak and we can lack basic assurance that we are actually Christians. This can be more acute after or during a time of illness. Or it can follow a period of spiritual decline or pain and grief. While the Lord is the ultimate source of encouragement, He uses people in the church to supply words and letters to bless us, just as He did through Judas and Silas.

Encouragement will always look to restore the prominence of Christ to the believer and address fears and doubts by referring back again to the salvation that is to be found in Him. It restores our sense of acceptance before God, re-energises us for Christian service and maintains our faith in God's promises.