“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)
Someone you love is struggling, and you cannot find the right words. You have prayed, checked in, and offered what help you can, but nothing seems to change. Eventually, you begin to wonder whether you have anything left to give.
Many of us understand that helplessness. We may assume encouragement requires answers or words that make pain feel smaller. When those things escape us, we may withdraw.
But Christ gives us a different starting place. We can help someone keep walking with Him even when we cannot explain the road ahead.
Begin with the Hope We Share
Paul’s opening instruction grows out of the hope of salvation through Jesus. In the preceding verses, he reminds believers that Christ died so they might live together with Him. Their encouragement rests on what Jesus has done and what He secures for the future.
That foundation matters when circumstances offer little reassurance. We cannot promise someone that a strained marriage will heal quickly, a job will appear tomorrow, or grief will follow a predictable schedule. We can gently remind them that their suffering has not placed them beyond Christ’s care.
Sometimes that begins with a simple admission: “I don’t know how this will unfold, but I’m here to pray and walk with you.” Spoken honestly and followed by faithful presence, those words can help a weary person remember they are not facing the struggle alone.
Our confidence belongs in the Savior who holds us both.
Pay Attention Before You Speak
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV) says, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” This invitation follows the assurance that Jesus has opened the way for us to draw near to God. Because we belong to Him, we take responsibility for strengthening one another.
Notice the attention this requires. We cannot thoughtfully encourage people whose burdens we never pause to hear.
At home, that may mean putting down your phone when someone seems unusually quiet. In church, it may mean noticing an exhausted volunteer. With a friend, it may mean gently asking a second question after “I’m fine.”
Romans 12:15 (NKJV) says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Sometimes the faithful response is shared joy; sometimes it is sitting beside someone without rushing their tears. Listening helps us recognize which kind of care the moment needs.
Let Grace Give Your Words Strength
Encouragement also involves what we choose to say. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV) says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
That makes encouragement specific. “You’re amazing” may be warmly intended, but “I’ve noticed how patiently you care for your father, even when you’re tired” recognizes a concrete expression of faithfulness. Thoughtful words help people recognize God’s work in ordinary obedience. They remind weary believers that their quiet faithfulness matters to Him.
Yet building someone up can also require a difficult conversation. First Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV) says, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” Different needs require different responses.
A discouraged friend may need reassurance. A friend excusing harmful behavior may need gentle, honest accountability. Before speaking, examine your purpose: are you helping this person move toward Christ, and are you willing to offer the patience and support that your words require?
Take One Faithful Step Toward Someone
Galatians 6:2 (NKJV) says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Encouragement becomes tangible when love helps carry something heavy: a meal during illness, a ride to an appointment, or time set aside to pray together.
You do not need unlimited energy or perfect words to offer meaningful support. You can acknowledge your limits and still offer something dependable. Keeping a small promise gives someone a reason to trust your care.
Throughout this series, we have considered loving, forgiving, discerning, and encouraging. Together, these practices help our relationships increasingly reflect Jesus. We seek another’s good, release vengeance, exercise wisdom, and help one another persevere.
This week, choose one person and offer one specific act of encouragement you can follow through on. Ask what would help, listen carefully, and take that step. Trust Christ to work through the care you can give, even when you cannot see immediate change.
Lord Jesus, help us notice those who need strengthening and respond with Your truth, patience, and love. Make us faithful companions who help others keep walking with You. Amen.
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Faith in Action: Unscramble Your Next Step
Take two minutes to uncover five ways to strengthen someone in Christ. Use each clue to unscramble the word.
YARP — Bring someone’s needs before God. __________
NSTELI — Give someone your attention before offering advice. __________
ERHACE — Rearrange these letters to find what encouragement does not require: being a perfect __________.
HTTRU — Speak this with grace and patience. __________
VRESE — Turn compassion into practical help. __________
Make it personal: Choose one action above and finish this sentence:
“This week, I will encourage ____________ by ________________________.”
Before you move on, pray for that person and ask God to help you follow through.
Answer key: 1. PRAY · 2. LISTEN · 3. CHEERA? · 4. TRUTH · 5. SERVE
Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love
Have you ever wanted to help a hurting friend but worried you would say the wrong thing? Edward T. Welch’s Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love offers an encouraging place to begin.
Welch builds his message around two realities: we need help, and we can help others. The book first invites readers to acknowledge their struggles and dependence on God, then explores how ordinary believers can walk alongside one another with compassion and biblical wisdom.
Its strength lies in making personal ministry approachable. Listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, praying together, and speaking truth with gentleness become meaningful ways to care. You do not need impressive credentials to begin loving someone well.
This connects with our article, “Encouraging One Another: How to Strengthen Others in Christ.” Both invite us to offer faithful presence and practical support when answers feel out of reach. Welch gives readers room to recognize their limitations while growing in confidence that God can work through everyday relationships.
For anyone longing to become a more attentive friend or caring church member, this book offers direction worth practicing.
Purchase Side by Side, and subscribe to The EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter for encouragement to keep growing in Christ.
Heavenly Father, draw us close to Your heart, and teach us to come to You in prayer with our weariness, our questions, and the burdens of those we love. When we cannot fix another person’s pain, help us trust Your faithful care and offer patient presence, gracious truth, and practical love. Lord Jesus, deepen our relationship with You so that our encouragement flows from knowing You, depending on You, and listening for Your guidance. Holy Spirit, stir in us a longing to meet with You each day, and give us courage to follow through when You lead us to strengthen someone in Christ’s name, amen.
