The Duty of Encouragement

The Effect of an Evil Report

When the ten spies brought back an evil report from the land of Canaan, what did Caleb say?

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” Numbers 13:30.

What did the ten spies say?

“But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” Verse 31.

What effect did the evil report have upon the people?

“That night all the people of the community raise their voices and wept aloud. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Numbers 14:1-4.  

A New Leader is Encouraged

With what words did Moses seek to encourage Joshua?

“And Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:7,8. 

In his final charge to Joshua, what did Moses, speaking for God, say to him?

“The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous. For you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them with an oath, and I myself will be with you.” Verse 23. 

After Moses’ death, how did the Lord encourage Joshua?

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them” Joshua 1:5,6.

Leaders Encouraged the People

When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Jerusalem, what did King Hezekiah say to Israel?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.”

2 Chronicles 32:7,8.  

What effect did these words have upon the people?

“And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. Verse 8.

How did Josiah seek to promote the worship of God?

“He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the Lord’s temple.” 2 Chronicles 35:2.

Heaven Encourages All

By what message, through the prophet Haggai, did God seek to encourage the people to rebuild the Temple?

“But now be strong, O Zerrubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord,’ and work. For I am with you,’ declared the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:4.

What encouraging message has Christ left us?

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

Note – A discouraged man, like a dispirited horse, is powerless to perform his task. We should always try to encourage someone with an inspiring word. We know not how much it is needed or how great and far-reaching its consequences may be.

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