The term "encourageth" is an archaic form of the verb "encourage," which means to give support, confidence, or hope to someone. In the context of the Bible, encouragement is a vital aspect of Christian life and community, reflecting the heart of God towards His people. The act of encouraging others is seen as a spiritual gift and a responsibility for believers, fostering unity, perseverance, and faith.

Biblical Foundation

Encouragement is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous passages highlighting its importance. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the need for believers to encourage one another. For instance, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , Paul writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." This verse underscores the continuous nature of encouragement as a communal practice among Christians.

The role of encouragement is also evident in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. His interactions with His disciples and followers often included words of comfort and exhortation, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. In John 16:33 , Jesus says, "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!" Here, Jesus provides encouragement by reminding His followers of His victory over the world, offering them peace and hope.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament also provides numerous examples of encouragement. In the book of Joshua, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." This divine encouragement reassures Joshua of God's presence and support, empowering him to fulfill his leadership role.

The Psalms frequently serve as a source of encouragement, offering comfort and hope in times of distress. Psalm 31:24 encourages believers with the words, "Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD." The psalmist calls upon the faithful to find strength and courage in their trust in God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is often described as the Comforter or Helper, providing encouragement to believers. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Holy Spirit's role includes guiding, teaching, and encouraging believers, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith.

Practical Application

Encouragement is not only a biblical principle but also a practical aspect of Christian living. Believers are called to encourage one another through words, actions, and prayers. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage highlights the importance of community and mutual support in the Christian faith.

In summary, "encourageth" embodies a crucial element of the Christian life, reflecting God's love and care for His people. Through Scripture, the example of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped and called to be sources of encouragement to one another, strengthening the body of Christ and advancing His kingdom.

The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.
... he gives a good many pertinent directions to mourn, consider, repent and return,
to wrestle and pour out their souls before the Lord, and encourageth them to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 8.htm

With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received
... so great mysteries. The sweetness of Thy words encourageth me, but the
multitude of my faults presseth me down. 2. Thou commandest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i with how great.htm

John xi. 1, 2
... the rest. But see how Jesus encourageth them by what He saith. Ver.9.
"Are there not twelve hours of the day?" [1674]. He either ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxii john xi 1.htm

Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ...
... attempt it at all. For the Lord Jesus encourageth my weakness, by saying,
No man hath seen God at any time [832] . 6. What then, some ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture vi concerning the unity.htm

John iv. 28, 29
... By this He the more encourageth them; for when it seemed a very hard matter to go
through all the world and preach the Gospel, He showeth them that it is even ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv john iv 28.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... 16, 17) and then we have a sweet and affectionate promise propounded in the most
moving and loving manner than can be, Luke 11:13, where he encourageth us to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxv if so be.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... And to this purpose he gives them, severally, divers instructions, as the judicious
reader may easily understand, by which he encourageth them to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
The Creeds of the Evangelical Protestant Churches. <. ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Saved by Grace;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Encourageth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Encourageth (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 41:7 So the
carpenter encourageth the goldsmith, 'and' he that smootheth ...
/e/encourageth.htm - 6k

Encouraging (12 Occurrences)

/e/encouraging.htm - 10k

Fasteneth (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the carpenter encourageth the goldsmith, 'and' he that smootheth
with the hammer him that smiteth the anvil, saying of the soldering, It is good ...
/f/fasteneth.htm - 7k

Encourages (4 Occurrences)

/e/encourages.htm - 7k

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