Encouragement in Good Times

When we think about encouraging one another, our minds often default to difficult times. Someone is in a pit of difficulty, facing challenges, or weighed down by life, and we lend our hands and hearts to encourage them to plow through another day, week or month.

Encouragement in these times is vital. But what about encouragement in the good times?

What about those moments when people are thriving, using their gifts well, succeeding in their callings? Well, this is where encouragement not always comes in as fast. Maybe one will see when it is said about someone whose work is different from ours—a nurse encouraging a pastor, a teacher encouraging an accountant. But when it’s someone on the same profession, field, expertise or similar gifts doing well —a fellow pastor, a fellow nurse, a fellow lawyer—, insecurity, jealousy or lack of generosity can creep in, and encouraging words may be replaced by spiteful thoughts.

The Word of God encourages us in difficult times, no doubt of that. But does it also give us encouragement for good moments? Absolutely. As those who have freely received grace, we are called to freely give encouragement. Hebrews 10:24 reminds us: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Romans 12:15 tells us to "rejoice with those who rejoice." In Acts 11:23 Barnabas encourages the believers: When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” Elsewhere in the Scriptures, “Good and faithful servant”. Jesus says, “I am with you always”. Encouragement isn't only for the valleys; it's for the mountaintops too. When we remember that all our gifts come from God alone—not earned but given—it becomes natural to celebrate when others use their God-given talents well. When joy and success is met with support, it fuels confidence, strengthens bonds, and inspires others to keep walking faithfully in their calling.

In the worst moment His life, hanging on a Cross dying for the sins of the World, Jesus gave us access to a wealth of forgiveness and love that sustain us in difficult times, but also encourage us to continue to be good and faithful servant in good times.  As we are both saint and sinner—justified by faith alone yet still wrestling with our old nature, we encourage in hard and good times. We encourage those who struggle, knowing we too are beggars showing other beggars where to find bread. And we encourage those who celebrate, recognizing that every good gift comes from above, and that as members of Christ we build each other in love.  

Here words of encouragement become more than thoughts. They are given as a gift of support, appreciation and Christian love.