What is encouragement? Do you know the real definition? This isn’t a trick question. Encouragement is exactly what you think it is. It is the expression of approval and support to one another. If you break it down the prefix, “en-” means “put into” and the root “cor-” means “heart.” I even went so far as to research the Greek and Hebrew words for encouragement, “parakaleo” and “chazaq.” They mean the exact same thing encourage does today.

ENCOURAGING LIKE BARNABAS

Why is encouraging others important? The story of Barnabas in Acts is a fantastic example. Barnabas’s real name was Joseph — Barnabas was just a nickname. But why Barnabas? Joseph to Barnabas is quite a jump. In Hebrew Barnabas literally means ‘’son of encouragement.” He was so encouraging that it became his given name. How was Barnabas that encouraging? When Saul was transformed to Paul, instead of persecuting Christians, he became an advocate in the name of Christ. The disciples were suspicious, figuring this was just one of his plans to get as close as he could to Jesus’ followers in order to trap them. But Barnabas believed in Paul’s testimony, supporting and encouraging him. Paul became possibly the biggest tool in spreading the good news of Jesus. Through Barnabas’s encouragement, Paul was able to perform his ministry, writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. Without Barnabas’s support, almost half the books of the New Testament might not have ever existed.

WORDS AFFECT OTHERS

That is an example of the importance of encouragement, but how should we encourage others today? To know what encourages others, you should know what encourages you. It is difficult to be encouraging if you are discouraged. Scripture is always a reliable place to start. Know that God encourages those who are discouraged, as shown in 2 Corinthians 7:6. Another tool that may be able to help with encouragement is a knowledge of the five languages of love. Gary Chapman describes them in the book “The Five Love Languages.” There are five different ways people prefer to receive love and encouragement. One is “words of affirmation.” You can display this by writing someone a quick note expressing support. Another is “acts of service,” where you could open a door or offer help by carrying something for them. “Giving gifts” is another language. You could buy a friend a bag of their favorite candy to show your support during exams. Another person may value “quality time,” like meeting to have coffee and talk. Lastly, someone may prefer “physical touch,” such as a hug whenever you see them. These are great ways to encourage your peers. If you want to know more about them, just Google “five love languages.”

Now I would like to encourage you to take action to encourage others. Pull out your phone or a pen, and write down five names of people who you have met since school started — or maybe friends with whom you are close. I challenge you to encourage one of those five people each day over the next five days. Send them a nice text or write them a short note. Maybe even use each five of the love languages. Remember, Galatians 6:3 says, “If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”