COLOSSIANS 4:8

“For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;”

I have known some real encouragers in my lifetime. One of those was my late brother-in-law, Wayne Barber. He just had the gift of encouragement. If I ever needed spiritual advice, he was the one I would call or go see. To Wayne, the glass was always half full, not half empty. Did Wayne always have the answer I was looking for? No, but his advice and encouragement always lifted my spirit and sent me on my way ready to face whatever I was dealing with. I sure miss that goof ball.

In today’s verse, Paul basically calls Tychicus (mentioned in the last verse) an encourager. Paul had sent him to Colossae to bring news about his situation and probably his health. He was to encourage them and instruct them to not lose heart just because he was in prison. Can’t you just hear the words Paul gave Tychicus to share? Remember, Paul was brought along into ministry by Barnabas, whose name means “Encourager.”

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon says, “The verb parakaleó is used in the New Testament to convey a range of meanings centered around the idea of calling someone to one’s side for the purpose of exhortation, encouragement, comfort, or urging. It is often used in contexts where believers are encouraged to live out their faith, comfort one another in times of distress, or be urged to adhere to the teachings of Christ. The term reflects both a personal and communal aspect of the Christian life, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the body of Christ.”

Paul uses this same word in a most recognized verse in Romans 12:1. “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Paul was an encourager who was taught by an encourager. Therefore, he was encouraging another encourager to encourage others. Did you get that? Read it again.

In fact, did you know that Paul uses the word parakaleó in 12 of his 13 epistles? Encouragement was important to Paul. He knew how rules and laws could weigh you down. He knew the perils of persecution for your faith. He wanted to encourage everyone to remain strong and trust in the One who saves. Can you do the same?

Father, I want to be known as an encourager. Give me the words to say when it is time to do that.