We often think of encouragement as a nice thing to do, a polite gesture we extend to a friend who is having a rough week. But the Bible presents something far more radical. In Hebrews 10:24–25, we are told to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” The word “stir up” is a strong verb. It implies movement, energy, and even a bit of friction. God isn’t asking us to be passive cheerleaders. He is asking us to be active catalysts in the lives of others.
I’ve learned that you cannot encourage what you do not possess. This is a hard truth I had to wrestle with early in my ministry. If the life of Christ is not actively being formed in you, you cannot pass it on. You might be able to recite the right words, but the power will be missing. As I’ve often said, if it’s not happening in you, you won’t pass it on. Encouragement flows from a place of shared experience and genuine spiritual vitality. It starts with your own daily rhythm with God. When you are consistently in the Word and in prayer, you are filled with the very grace you need to extend to others.
So, how do we practically “stir up” one another? It starts by reminding people of who they are in Christ.
So, how do we practically “stir up” one another? It starts by reminding people of who they are in Christ. I encourage you to think about someone in your life who is struggling or feeling stagnant. This week, block off time to write them a letter, send a text or email, or make a phone call. Don’t just say, “I’m thinking of you.” Remind them of the gifts and talents God has given them. Remind them of a specific moment when they saw God’s hand at work in their life. Help them reminisce about their identity in Christ. That kind of targeted encouragement gives people a new perspective when they are too close to their own problems and need to see the bigger picture.
We also need to share our stories. As a culture, we often hide our failures, but the gospel is a story of redemption. I remember when I was a young believer, I was a workaholic. I thought if I just worked harder, God would love me more and I would be more successful in ministry. It was a painful season. But when I finally opened up about that struggle to a mentor, being vulnerable didn’t shame me; it connected me. When we share our stories of failure and God’s faithfulness, we give others permission to be honest. We show them that they are not alone in their battles.
Finally, let’s not underestimate the power of presence. Sometimes, the most powerful encouragement is just showing up. It’s inviting someone to lunch. It’s sitting with them in silence when they are grieving. It’s listening without trying to fix the situation. Jesus did this. He didn’t just preach to the crowds. He touched the leper, He sat with the widow, and He walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Your life is a message. The way you speak, the way you listen, and the way you love others all communicate to the people around you. Let’s be intentional about using that influence to lift others up. Let’s be the ones who stir up love and good works in our families, our churches, and our communities. The world is hungry for hope, and you have the power to feed it.
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