The power of encouragement
I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away to Arabia. – Galatians 1:16-17
Acts 9:26-28
26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
28 So he was staying with them, associating openly with them in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
A Mother’s Kiss: The Beginning of Greatness
As a young boy, Benjamin West attempted to draw a picture of his sister, Sally. His efforts were far from remarkable, but when his mother saw his work, she kissed him on the head and exclaimed, “Why, it’s Sally!” That simple act of encouragement left an indelible mark on West. He would later recount that her kiss inspired him to become an artist, eventually becoming one of America’s great painters.
This story illustrates a profound truth: encouragement is a powerful thing. A single moment of affirmation can spark a lifetime of purpose and achievement.
From Persecutor to Preacher
Encouragement also played a pivotal role in the life of the Apostle Paul. Before his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was a fanatic for the law, a “fire-breather” who targeted Jews who had accepted Jesus as their Messiah. These early Jews for Jesus feared for their lives under Paul’s relentless aggression.
However, everything changed when the Lord Jesus Christ miraculously confronted Paul on the road to Damascus. His conversion was radical, transforming him from a persecutor to a follower of Christ. Yet, despite this inner change, the early church still feared him. His reputation as a violent oppressor lingered, and the children of the King were hesitant to accept him.
Divine Affirmation: Paul’s Unique Education
Paul received unexpected and magnificent affirmation, not from people, but directly from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
After his baptism by Ananias (Acts 9:18), Paul did not seek out the apostles or other early church leaders for advice or encouragement. Instead, as he later explained, his understanding of the gospel came through direct revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 records Paul’s: “Dear brothers and sisters, I want you to understand that the gospel message I preach is not based on mere human reasoning. I received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ.”
Paul’s spiritual education was remarkable. The Father arranged for him to spend three years in the Arabian desert, away from human influence, in what could be described as a prestigious private seminary. The student-teacher ratio was superb. There was one student, Paul, and one instructor, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This period in Arabia took place between Acts 9:25 and Acts 9:26. During these three years, Paul received revelations that would form the basis of his New Testament epistles. Information that had been previously undisclosed was now revealed to him, shaping his doctrine and understanding of the gospel.
Barnabas: The Encourager
When Paul returned to Damascus and later tried to join the local body in Jerusalem, he faced the same fear and skepticism. The Jewish church leaders remained cautious of him, unable to reconcile the man they knew as a persecutor with the man who now boldly preached in the name of Jesus.
Enter Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.” Sent by the Father, Barnabas became Paul’s advocate and encourager. Acts 9:27: “Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.”
Through Barnabas’s intervention, the church welcomed Paul as a fellow believer. Barnabas not only confirmed Paul’s transformation but also became his early partner in ministry, walking alongside him as he started his mission to spread the gospel.
REFLECT & PRAY
Encouragement is a gift that keeps on giving. Just as Benjamin West’s mother inspired him with a kiss and Barnabas affirmed Paul’s calling, we are also called to encourage others. Encouragement has the power to transform lives, ignite a sense of purpose, and build unity within the body of Christ.
Father, You have been my encouragement from the very beginning. Thank You for the people You have placed in my life to inspire and affirm me. Help me to be a source of encouragement to others, reflecting Your love and grace in all that I do.
Encouragement – More Than Kind Words
Encouragement is not simply providing a kind word or a compliment; it is a powerful, transformative force. The Father uses encouragement to shape our character, guide our paths, and instill confidence in us. It is a divine tool that goes beyond superficial affirmation, reaching into the depths of our hearts to inspire growth, healing, and purpose.
Moreover, encouragement is more than just a human interaction; it is deeply rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit, Who serves as our ultimate source of comfort and guidance.
What is Biblical Encouragement?
The primary word for “encourage” in the New Testament is derived from the Greek term parakaleo. This word is derived from two other Greek words: para, meaning “alongside” or “to the side of,” and kaleo, meaning “to call.”
Together, parakaleo literally means “to call someone to oneself” or “to call to one’s side.” It has a variety of meanings, including to “aid, help, comfort, encourage, affirm, or console.”
The noun derived from parakaleo is paraklete. Paraklete can be rendered as “helper, assistant, comforter, advocate, or one who pleads another’s cause before a judge.” This term is frequently used as a title for the Holy Spirit, who is described as the Comforter and Advocate, par excellence.
Our Divine Encourager
The Holy Spirit is a personal helper and comforter given to every child of the King. He is not just a temporary presence but a permanent one, dwelling within us and remaining with us forever.
The Lord Jesus Christ makes a remarkable promise in John 14:16-17: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth.”
The Holy Spirit will stay with us forever. He comes as our comforter, encourager, and helper. He not only comforts and encourages us but also teaches and reminds us of the truth. As the Spirit of Truth, His guidance is always accurate and aligns with the Word of God. When we depend on Him, He ensures that our knowledge and understanding are firmly rooted in the truth.
The Lord Jesus Christ promises in John 14:26: “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” What a remarkable commitment! The Holy Spirit Himself will teach us all things that the Father wants us to know. Even more amazing, the Holy Spirit is here to help us remember everything He teaches us.
Encouragement as a Divine Calling
Encouragement is more than just a human act; it is a reflection of the Holy Spirit’s work within us. As children of the King, we are called to emulate the Spirit’s role by supporting, comforting, and affirming others. Just as the Holy Spirit advocates for us, we are to advocate for one another, offering support and guidance in times of need.
This divine calling to encourage others is a powerful way to reflect God’s love and grace. It serves as a reminder that we are never alone, as the Holy Spirit is always present to guide and strengthen us. Through His work, encouragement serves as a transformative force that shapes lives, builds faith, and fosters unity within the body of Christ.
The Eternal Presence of the Comforter
The Holy Spirit serves as our Helper and Comforter, continually providing us with encouragement throughout our lives. He guides us, brings God’s truth to our remembrance, and strengthens us to actively live out our faith. This everlasting presence is a remarkable gift, assuring us that we always have guidance and support available.
When encouragement is grounded in the work of the Holy Spirit, it transcends being a mere kind gesture and instead represents God’s transformative power. By accepting this calling, we can become vessels of His grace, offering comfort and strength to those around us.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 