You're browsing as a guest. Create a free account to unlock all features — no credit card needed.Get started free
The word 'encourage' appears throughout the New Testament — the Greek word paraklesis means to come alongside someone and strengthen them. The Holy Spirit Himself is called the Paraclete, the one who encourages and comforts. Scripture is filled with God's direct encouragements to His people, from His words to Joshua ('Be strong and courageous') to Paul's assurance that the God of all comfort stands with believers in every trial.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
Opinions vary, but Joshua 1:9 ('Be strong and courageous'), Jeremiah 29:11 ('plans to prosper you'), and Philippians 4:13 ('I can do all things through Christ') consistently rank among the most-loved encouraging verses. Isaiah 40:31 is also widely cherished for its image of renewed strength.
Galatians 6:9 says, 'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.' Hebrews 12:1–3 points to Jesus, who endured the cross, as the ultimate example of perseverance. Scripture consistently frames trials as temporary and God's purposes as eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17).
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, 'Encourage one another and build each other up.' Hebrews 10:24–25 calls believers to 'spur one another on toward love and good deeds.' Proverbs 12:25 notes that 'an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.' The Bible presents encouragement as a spiritual gift and a daily calling.