Life can be tricky. Situations come into our lives that challenge us and push us past our breaking point sometimes. In the past, I always tried to give people advice to help in those situations, but over the years my perspective shifted. What I believe people need, more than advice, is encouragement. This is a list of my favorite Bible verses to encourage one another!
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Encourage One Another Bible Verse
What does the Bible say about encouraging one another? A LOT!
Encouragement is mentioned over and over again in scripture. But the most memorable verse is the encourage one another Bible verse, also known as 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
” Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB
We are to follow the examples set there, which is why I am sharing these verses of Scripture to help you encourage others today and every day!
Scriptures for Encouraging Others
We are told to encourage one another and to be encouraged in our faith. More than that, we see examples of believers encouraging each other. A clear model of encouragement is set throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament.
Jesus is my favorite example of encouragement in the Bible. Hands down, Jesus encouraged people. When you look at the life of Jesus, you see the perfect example of encouragement on many levels.
Ephesians 4:29
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Matthew 11:2
“Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?”” Matthew 11:2 NASB
John is discouraged as his life nears an end. He may have wondered if he followed the right way and finished well. When he asked Jesus about it, Jesus encouraged Him by reminding Him of scripture.
Matthew 11:3-6
“Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who limp walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.” Matthew 11:3-6 NASB
Jesus could have just said, “Yes I am The One,” but instead He encouraged John with truths from scripture.
Truth: Scripture encourages others so much more than answers or advice!
A Study I’ve done recently that helped me learn to encourage others more was, Get Out of Your Head, by Jennie Allen. Through the study, she shows us how to deal with the things we face mentally so we are better able to serve and encourage others. I highly recommend this Bible study.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Not only did Jesus’ life demonstrate the need to encourage others, but there are countless Bible verses about encouraging one another. Two of my favorites are below.
“and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NASB
It is important to encourage each other in words, inspiring them in the faith. It is also important to encourage them that you long to see them, spend time with them and connect. Most of us long to feel needed, wanted and that encourages us.
Romans 11:12
“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” Romans 11:12 NASB
When I want to encourage someone, I look for Bible verses that speak hope and joy into their hard situations. Many times they can be grouped together. I’ll share some of my lists to help inspire you as you search for Bible verses to encourage others.
Zephaniah 3:17
Often women will write to me about struggles in their marriage. They are fighting for a godly marriage against insurmountable odds. These are the Bible verses that I use to encourage them and pray over them.
“The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NASB
Not only does it encourage wives to know that God is fighting for them, they need to know He is their rock. God is faithful and trustworthy and right there with them through the trials. This is encouragement like no other!
Psalm 18:2
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2 NASB
Psalm 34:7
If it isn’t enough that God is fighting for us and is faithful like a rock, it will encourage wives to know that He sends His angels to deliver them. The topic of angels is a bit mysterious, but always encouraging! If ever you feel alone, and thinking that God is with you doesn’t brighten your day, imagine the legions of angels sent to protect you!
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. ” Psalm 34:7 NIV
Philippians 4:19
Another topic that often comes up when life is hard is finances. God is our provider. He proves it over and over again. This Bible verse can encourage you through your financial struggles.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NASB
Psalm 3:2-6
I can attest to the fact that sleep is lost worrying over things. It is encouraging to be reminded that God is with you in that sleep. You can turn to Him for rest when there are struggles. This had to make the list of Bible verses to encourage one another!
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustains me.
So I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me round about. Psalm 3:2-6
Have you ever noticed that discouragement follows the Christian life?
Maybe there has been a difficult season at work, or their children are rebelling or their time is stretched too far. When discouragement comes it is good to be reminded that there is hope in Christ and He holds a bright future for those who follow Him.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NASB)
Not only do we need reminders that God has a plan for us – a good plan – but we need help with our thoughts. Yes, God has a future for you, but if you are so focused on the mistakes of your past you will miss those blessings. That’s why I love this passage to encourage others.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
“Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB)
The truth is, not all of our lives go smoothly. There will be tough times. It is important to encourage one another with this verse to remind ourselves and them that God can redeem anything and use anyone!
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV
Sometimes when we need to encourage one another it is difficult to find the right words. When that happens I often turn to these two verses because they bring us back to God.
Psalm 18:3
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
And I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18: 3 NASB
When you praise God it is hard to be discouraged. As you focus on Him in praise, the Joy of the Lord fills you and encourages you naturally.
Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 NASB
This last verse about joy and peace comforts me in the most trying situation. Not only are we told God will provide joy and peace, but He is a God of Hope. Who else is encouraged by that?
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13 ESV
Just as praise brings joy, hope brings peace. The Peace of God comes when we keep our eyes on Him, regardless of the giants we face. These are my three favorite Bible verses about peace.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Who couldn’t use perfect peace? This verse encourages me that trusting God, and keeping my mind on Him will bring peace. That is why I encourage others with it.
“You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself,
is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26: 3-4 NASB
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NASB)
Jesus overcame the world. That is a truth that will turn around even the worst day. Sometimes we can’t make sense of the mess of life, but there is an eternity coming and He is there!
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB
At the heart of most discouragement is a crisis of trusting the Lord. We want to trust Him, but His ways are so strange to us. When I want to encourage a believer who is in this place, these are the Bible verses I use.
Psalm 25:4-5
“Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:4-5 NASB
Trusting God is tough at times. His ways are so different that it feels unwise to trust Him. This verse gives me hope that He will help us understand and trust.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV
There are blessings that come when we trust God. I love to encourage others with that truth! Trust Him and just watch as He blesses you!
Can we be honest with each other? Living a Christian life can be exhausting at times. There is so much change that it exhausts us.
Every denomination is slightly different making us question so many things in our faith walk. And let’s not even start about the people and how difficult it can be to feel loved and accepted as you grow in faith.
Galatians 6:9
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9
When I can tell someone feels tired I share these Bible Verses. They remind us that we are not the only ones who get tired. Also, they are sweet truths about how God encourages us in those times.
Isaiah 40:28-31
“Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
and They will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:28-31 NASB
If you ever worried you are bothering God with your small requests, this verse is the one you need. When someone says they have a small request I encourage them with this. There is nothing too small to God. He cares about you!
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26 ESV
As a Christian who battles anxiety, my heart goes out to others in the same mental struggle. There is a very real stigma about mental health issues in the Church. It’s sad but true. We can encourage one another with these words when you meet one who is in that battle with anxiety or fear:
Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
When the anxiety builds too high and you feel overwhelmed on every side, this verse is encouraging. The Lord is all around and is always there. Turn to Him and fall apart in His arms.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NASB
God says, fear not so many times in Scripture. So many times! It encourages us all to know that He knows we have fears and helps us overcome them!
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
James 5:16
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16 NASB
It can feel passive to pray when life is hard, but God tells us there is much power in prayer. These are my favorite verses on that topic! I share them every time someone says they need help learning to pray. To learn to pray – just pray more!
Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:4 NASB
In every season prayer is the answer. When there is hope – pray. When there is tribulation – pray. God is about relationships. Talk to Him today!
Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV
How to Encourage Others Daily
There are so many Bible verses to encourage one another, but having a list is only part of the process. How do you encourage others daily? I love to encourage others with scripture. There are four ways that I make this a daily habit.
- Social Media
- Text
- Write Cards
Related: 32 Important Verses About Helping Others
Encourage One Another on Social media
Social media gets a bad rap. People say it sucks your time, breeds contempt, and promotes sinful behavior. Personally, I believe technology is neutral. It is there and can be used for good or bad. So let’s redeem technology.
You have many friends on social media who need encouragement. They might not ask for it. They might not walk into a Church to get it. Still, they need it.
Be salt and light.
- If you see a verse meme, share it.
- When you are in the YouVersion Bible App, share the verse of the day.
Sharing Bible verses is a great way to encourage others daily. Be sure to visit Scripture Graphics library where you’ll find plenty of encouraging verses to share on social media!
Encourage One Another Via Email
Depending on what generation you are a part of, you might not be into this. I have many friends who don’t have a smartphone and don’t do social media. Email is still the best way to encourage them.
When I know they are in a hard season I will type out a quick message and email a Bible verse to them.
Encourage One Another Via Text
By far, my most frequent way to encourage others daily is through text. Text is where my face to face friends chat. Let me explain my strategy.
I believe in the power of prayer, strategic prayer. I am all about using a prayer journal to keep track of prayer requests. Often as I pray through my journal in the morning, the Lord will lay someone from the list on my heart more heavily. I will then share a verse to encourage them.
Things sometimes spiral from there. After I’ve texted the verse to them, I am scrolling through my text message threads and God will prompt me to send the verse to others in the list. I can’t tell you how many times I am texting a verse to people I haven’t talked to in weeks or months only to have them respond that the verse spoke to something hard they were facing that I didn’t know about.
Never second guess the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We are His hands and feet even if we don’t understand what He is asking.
Encourage One Another With a Card
The last way I’ll share to encourage others daily is by writing cards. Card writing is a dying art that truly blesses and encourages so many. I love getting mail (as long as it’s not a bill) and so do others.
Why not write a card with an encouraging Bible verse to your pastor or those on your Church staff?
We enjoy writing cards to people in our Sunday School class, the kids teachers, deacons and elders. Last year, our Women’s Prayer Team wrote cards to the Nursing Home Residents behind our church.
This is as simple as buying a pack of blank cards and a pack of stamps. You don’t need to be artistic or creative. Just write in a verse and tell them you are praying for them. You will make someone’s day!
We’ve seen that the Bible clearly instructs Christians to encourage others both directly and through examples. When we encourage one another, we are sharing the light of Jesus with others through our actions.
A simple act of encouragement can truly change the trajectory of someone’s day or their life!
Will you begin to encourage one another today?
Do you already? I’d love to hear your tips and strategies in the comments below!
