Encouraging One Another in Shared Spiritual Journeys
Encouraging one another in shared spiritual journeys is a fundamental aspect of Christian fellowship, rooted in the concept of the "communion of saints" and the mutual edification of believers [3, 5]. This encouragement is not merely a social nicety but a vital component of spiritual growth and perseverance, reflecting the unity believers share in Christ [7].
The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes this mutual encouragement. In Romans 1:12, he expresses his desire to visit the Roman Christians "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith" [1]. This verse highlights a reciprocal relationship where both the sender and receiver of encouragement benefit, suggesting that faith is strengthened through shared experience and interaction [1]. Similarly, in Philemon 1:6, Paul prays that Philemon's "partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ" [2]. This implies that active participation and mutual recognition of God's work in each other's lives are essential for the effectiveness of shared faith [2].
The concept of "communion" or "fellowship" in Christian thought encompasses various dimensions, including fellowship with God, with Christ, and with other believers [5, 6]. This fellowship among saints is described as occurring in duties, ordinances, grace, love, joy, and even in sufferings [6]. The Lord's Supper, for instance, is considered a form of communion because it signifies fellowship between Christ and his disciples, and among the disciples themselves [5].
Biblical texts and theological interpretations underscore several ways in which believers are to encourage one another:
- Mutual Edification and Comfort: Believers are called to comfort and edify one another [3]. This involves building each other up in faith and providing solace in times of difficulty. The apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, urges believers to "encourage one another and build each other up" [3]. This mutual support is crucial for spiritual resilience.
- Exhortation and Accountability: Encouragement also involves exhortation, which serves to prevent unbelief and apostasy [3, 9]. John Gill, commenting on Hebrews 3:13, notes that believers should "exhort one another daily" to guard against hardening hearts through sin [9]. This can involve discussing divine things, praying together, instructing each other in Gospel doctrines, and reminding one another of God's promises [9]. While ministers have a primary role in exhortation, it is a responsibility shared by all believers [9].
- Prayer for One Another: Intercessory prayer is a powerful form of encouragement [3]. Believers are called to pray for each other, especially during times of affliction [4]. This includes praying for God's presence, support, comfort, and deliverance from troubles and sin [4]. The early church consistently engaged in prayer for one another, as seen in Acts 1:14 [3].
- Holy Conversation and Shared Worship: Encouragement happens through "holy conversation" and participation in public and social worship [3]. Malachi 3:16 mentions that "those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard" [3]. This suggests that shared spiritual discourse and communal worship are avenues for God's approval and presence [3]. Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Romans 14:19, emphasizes promoting peace and unanimity to edify each other in religious knowledge and piety, rather than being stumbling blocks [10].
- Mutual Sympathy and Kindness: Showing mutual sympathy and kindness is another way to encourage [3]. Romans 12:15 exhorts believers to "rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" [3]. Ephesians 4:32 further encourages kindness and compassion [3].
- Unity and Shared Purpose: The unity of believers, modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son, is a profound source of encouragement [7]. When believers are united, their conduct and relationships reflect the credibility of Christ to the world [7]. Disunity, infighting, and intolerance, conversely, undermine this testimony [7]. The diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ is intended for mutual benefit and service, not for individual gain [8, 12]. God distributes different gifts so that believers can serve each other, fostering interdependence and collective strength [8, 12].
The historical development of Christian thought consistently emphasizes the importance of community and mutual support. Early Christian communities, as depicted in the New Testament, were characterized by shared life, prayer, and teaching [3]. The "communion of saints" is a concept that has been articulated in various creeds and confessions, highlighting the spiritual bond that unites believers across time and space [3, 5]. This communion extends not only to living believers but also, in some traditions, to saints in heaven [3].
The practice of encouraging one another is not limited to formal church settings but extends to all aspects of believers' lives. It is a daily responsibility, as highlighted by the exhortation to "exhort one another daily" [9]. This ongoing process helps believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to grow in their understanding and application of Christian principles [9]. The blessings derived from Christ are not meant to be hoarded but are to be shared and celebrated within the community of faith, fostering a spirit of gratitude and mutual upliftment [11].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 1:12 (BSB) — that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”
- Philemon “Philemon 1:6 (BSB) — I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion of Saints — According to the prayer of Christ -- Joh 17:20,21. Is with God. -- 1Jo 1:3. Saints in heaven. -- Heb 12:22-24. Each other. -- Ga 2:9; 1Jo 1:3,7. God marks, with his approval -- Mal 3:16. Christ is present in -- Mt 18:20. In public and social worship -- Ps 34:3; 55:14; Ac 1:14; Heb 10:25. In the Lord's supper -- 1Co 10:17. In holy conversation -- Mal 3:16. In prayer for each other -- 2Co 1:11; Eph 6:18. In exhortation -- Col 3:16; Heb 10:25. In mutual comfort and edification -- 1Th 4:18; 5:11. In mutual sympathy and kindness -- Ro 12:15; Eph 4:32”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Communion — Fellowship with God (Gen. 18:17-33; Ex. 33:9-11; Num. 12:7, 8), between Christ and his people (John 14:23), by the Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14; Phil. 2:1), of believers with one another (Eph. 4:1-6). The Lord's Supper is so called (1 Cor. 10:16, 17), because in it there is fellowship between Christ and his disciples, and of the disciples with one another.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fellowship — (1.) With God, consisting in the knowledge of his will (Job 22:21; John 17:3); agreement with his designs (Amos 3:2); mutual affection (Rom. 8: 38, 39); enjoyment of his presence (Ps. 4:6); conformity to his image (1 John 2:6; 1:6); and participation of his felicity (1 John 1:3, 4; Eph. 3:14-21). (2.) Of saints with one another, in duties (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:1; 1 Thess. 5:17, 18); in ordinances (Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:46); in grace, love, joy, etc. (Mal. 3:16; 2 Cor. 8:4); mutual interest, spiritual and temporal (Rom. 12:4, 13; Heb. 13:16); in sufferings (”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 17:21: 17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is ”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:4: 12:4-11 Though believers are united in the Lord and his Spirit, God gives different kinds of spiritual gifts to different people so that they can fulfill different kinds of service to the same Lord (see also 7:7; 12:7-11, 28-31; Rom 12:6-8; Eph 4:11).”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 3:13: But exhort one another daily,.... In order to prevent unbelief and apostasy. The phrase is sometimes rendered, "comfort one another", or, "yourselves together", as in Th1 5:11 which the saints may do, by discoursing together about divine things; by praying together; by instructing one another in the doctrines of the Gospel; by putting one another in mind of the covenant of grace, and its promises; and by observing the near approach of everlasting happiness with Christ. And though the business of exhortation greatly belongs to ministers of the word, yet it ought not t”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 14:19: Let us therefore follow - Far from contending about meats, drinks, and festival times, in which it is not likely that the Jews and Gentiles will soon agree, let us endeavor to the utmost of our power to promote peace and unanimity, that we may be instrumental in edifying each other, in promoting religious knowledge and piety instead of being stumbling-blocks in each other's way.”
- Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 1:3: He begins with thanksgivings and praise, and enlarges with a great deal of fluency and copiousness of affection upon the exceedingly great and precious benefits which we enjoy by Jesus Christ. For the great privileges of our religion are very aptly recounted and enlarged upon in our praises to God. I. In general he blesses God for spiritual blessings, Eph 1:3, where he styles him the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for, as Mediator, the Father was his God; as God, and the second person in the blessed Trinity, God was his Father. It bespeaks the mystical”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:7: 12:7 Spiritual gifts are not given for the individual recipients’ benefit but to help each other (cp. 1 Pet 4:10-11).”