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Encouragement has its origins in the phrase “take heart” or “take courage” because of how the heart was often associated with the sense of bravery. It’s a word we use a lot in our house and frankly, in a world that often feels heavy with burdens, encouragement is vital in any Christian community. 

The truth is, we aren’t meant to walk alone but to lift each other up. Spurring one another on in faith and good works is a part of the Christian journey. Also, encouragement is more than just a kind word. Although, a kind word can mean a lot. Christian encouragement is spirit filled and can be such a powerful force that strengthens our faith, restores  our hope, and builds body of Christ.

Biblical Foundation for Encouragement

The Bible is filled with examples of encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to “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.” Encouragement is not just a suggestion but a biblical command that sustains us in our walk with Christ.

The Apostle Paul often emphasized the need for encouragement in his letters. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, he writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Paul knew that life is filled with struggles, and he reminded believers that encouragement strengthens both the giver and the receiver.

Why Encouragement Matters

1. Strengthens Faith – Trials and difficulties can shake our faith, but encouragement can reminds us of God’s faithfulness. A word of encouragement can rekindle someone’s trust in God and renew their strength.
2. Restores Hope – Discouragement is one of the enemy’s greatest tools. When we uplift one another, we combat feelings of despair and remind each other of God’s promises.
3. Builds Unity – A healthy Christian community is one where people feel seen, valued, and supported. Encouragement fosters love and strengthens bonds among believers.
4. Inspires Action – Encouragement fuels our perseverance. When we cheer others on in their faith, they are more likely to step out boldly in obedience to God. Are you an encourager? 

How to Be an Encourager

I honestly think we should strive to be an encourager as a believer. It should be a quality we actively pursue. It makes all the difference in the world and when we start from a place of compassion for newer believers walking in their faith we can develop encouragement even faster. The good news is that encouragement can take many forms, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to uplift others:

• Speak Life – Offer words of affirmation that remind others of their worth and purpose in Christ.
• Pray for Others – Praying with and for someone is one of the greatest ways to encourage them.
• Be Present – Sometimes, encouragement is simply showing up and being there for someone.
• Share Scripture – God’s Word is full of encouragement; sharing a verse can bring great comfort and strength.
• Celebrate Others’ Wins – Rejoicing with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15) strengthens relationships and builds community.

Encouragement is a Christian Lifestyle

Encouragement is not just something we do occasionally—it should be a way of life for a believer rooted in our mutual joy. We can look to Jesus for guidance in this too. He was the ultimate encourager, always speaking truth with love, offering hope to the weary, and calling out the potential in others. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Here’s something else to consider as well. Encouragement takes the focus off of ourselves and on another believer. So when we cultivate our ability to encourage others we are serving others and fulfilling our faith with action. By cultivating a culture of encouragement in our churches, communities, and personal relationships, we reflect the love of Christ and help strengthen the body of believers. Be intentional in offering encouragement today. Every small word or act of kindness can make a lasting impact beyond what you can see.

Who will you encourage today?

When I set out to write this post, a question came to mind: Is humility the opposite of confidence?

Confidence can feel like a paradox. On one hand, we are encouraged to have confidence, yet too much of it is seen as arrogance. In Christian circles, confidence often carries a negative connotation because we frequently witness worldly confidence—one that is self-reliant and prideful. So, how do we reconcile this? How can we walk in Godly confidence instead of worldly confidence?

If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, you’re not alone. The good news is that Scripture provides clarity. By studying God’s Word and looking at how Jesus lived—and how His disciples navigated challenges after His ascension—we begin to see what true, God-centered confidence looks like.

What Is Godly Confidence?

Godly confidence is not about trusting in ourselves—it’s about trusting in who God is and who He says we are in Him. Instead of relying on our abilities, we root our confidence in faith, surrender, and purpose in Christ. This requires us to let go of worldly confidence and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our identity.

Here are five key characteristics of Godly confidence:

1. Anchored in God’s Word – Our confidence comes from knowing and believing what God says about us, rather than relying on our own understanding.
2. Dependent on God’s Strength – We trust in His provision for wisdom, strength, and success, rather than relying on our own merit.
3. Bold in Our Purpose – We step out in faith, knowing that God empowers us to take action with His backing.
4. Free from Comparison – When we know our identity in Christ, we stop measuring ourselves against others and start valuing God’s perspective above all else.
5. Secure in God’s Plan – We face challenges with peace, knowing that God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

How to Develop Godly Confidence

Growing in Godly confidence requires daily renewal of our minds and intentional spiritual practices. Here are four ways to cultivate this confidence:

1. Spend Time in God’s Word

Rather than reacting to life’s challenges, we need to be proactive in seeking God first (Matthew 6:33). Reading Scripture daily allows us to align our thoughts with His truth. When we fill our minds with His Word, we naturally grow in confidence because we see ourselves through His eyes.

2. Pray, Meditate, and Fast

Prayer and meditation on God’s promises help us stay focused on Him. Biblical affirmations, rooted in Scripture, can also reinforce a mindset of faith. Fasting, when done with the right heart, sharpens our dependence on God and deepens our spiritual awareness.

3. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Believers

Community matters. When we walk alongside others pursuing spiritual growth, we gain encouragement and accountability. Join a small group at church, participate in weekly worship, and seek mentorship from someone grounded in faith.

4. Serve Others with Humility

Confidence in God isn’t self-serving—it leads us to serve others. When we use our gifts to bless others, we grow in purpose and deepen our trust in God’s plan. Ask God to guide you in ways to serve, and He will open doors for you to make an impact.

A Final Encouragement

Godly confidence is not about striving harder—it’s about trusting deeper. As you shift your mindset and anchor your confidence in Christ, you’ll experience transformation from the inside out. God is faithful to do His part—will you be faithful to walk in yours?

No matter what season you’re in, remember this: God loves you just as you are. You don’t have to earn His love—it is freely given. Rest in His peace, trust in His wisdom, and walk boldly in the confidence He provides.

Be blessed!

Ever caught yourself thinking, “Why does their life seem so much better than mine?”

You’re not alone. I’ve struggled with this too.

Social media makes it even harder. Scrolling through ALL of the reels, seeing other people’s successes, and feeling like you’re falling behind—it’s exhausting.

But here’s what I’ve learned: comparison isn’t just a self-esteem issue. It’s a trust issue.

Comparison is Spiritually Dangerous

The problem with comparison is that it subtly questions God’s goodness in our own lives.

When we compare ourselves to others, we’re essentially saying:

“God, what You’ve given me isn’t enough.”

Of course, struggling with comparison doesn’t mean you aren’t saved. But it does mean that you’ve been given the choice to shift your mindset and embrace God’s truth.

It also doesn’t mean that you can’t strive for “better” in your life. It just means the motivation is better rooted elsewhere.

Why Self-Worth Isn’t the Solution

Most advice on overcoming comparison tells you to simply “believe in yourself” or “know your worth.”

But here’s the problem: self-worth rooted in yourself is fragile.

It depends on your performance, appearance, and success. And when those things fluctuate (which they always do), your confidence will too. Yes, trigger work and recognizing emotional instability helps, but is still shaky ground to work from.

The real solution? Root your identity in Christ.

Here are 3 Biblical Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

1. Focus on Who You Belong To, Not What You Lack

Instead of focusing on comparing yourself to others, focus on whose you are.

📖 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1

You are fully known, fully loved, and intentionally created by God. Comparison loses its grip when you embrace this truth.

2. Celebrate Others Instead of Competing

Comparison fuels jealousy, but gratitude and celebration break its hold.

📖 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15

The next time you feel comparison creeping in, flip the script:

✅ Instead of thinking, “Why them, not me?” → Pray, “Lord, thank You for blessing them. I trust You have good things for me too.”

God’s blessings are not limited. Your time will come.

I really think we can face this throughout our life in many ways too. I didn’t spend a lot of time comparing myself to others in earlier seasons, but when discontent with circumstances hit me, it became harder to address. I found myself comparing, envying, and jealous more often when I started to look at my life through the lens of, “I should already be doing….” fill in the blank.

3. Run Your Own Race and Trust God’s Timing

God has a unique plan for you that no one else can fulfill.

📖 “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

When you focus too much on someone else’s race, you’ll trip in your own. Keep your eyes on Him, not them.

I Hope This Helps You Break Free from Comparison Today

The enemy wants to keep you stuck in comparison because it leads to discouragement and doubt. But you don’t have to stay there. Living in the comparison trap will keep you stuck too. You will be way to distracted on things that will not help you make progress toward any of your goals. So, keep in mind that God has some just for YOU!

Try doing this right now for a season and be mindful of your thoughts daily:

✅ STOP mindlessly scrolling – Comparison thrives on social media. Take a break when needed.

✅ Thank God for what you have – Gratitude shifts your heart. I use a written out prayer that helps prompt my heart and stir a conversation with God.

✅ Trust His plan – His timing is perfect, even if it doesn’t feel that way yet. Maybe He’s been trying to get your attention and you haven’t been listening. Take a moment to breath and listen.

You don’t have to be like them—you just need to be who God made you to be.

So today, choose to stop comparing and start trusting. God’s plan for your life is too good to waste by looking at someone else’s.

Be Bless!