How to Encourage Other Christians: 5 Biblical Ways to Strengthen Their Faith

During my 70+ years on this Earth, here’s one thing I’ve learned: One of the most powerful things I can do as a follower of Christ is to encourage someone else in their walk with God. Whether it’s a friend struggling through hardship, a new believer trying to find their footing, or a mature Christian feeling burned out, your encouragement might be exactly what they need to keep going. 

In fact, the Bible places a high value on encouragement. It’s not just a nice gesture. It’s a spiritual discipline, a command, and a powerful tool for building up the body of Christ. 

Why Encouragement Matters So Much 

The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Scripture calls us to community—a family of believers who “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24). 

Encouragement is how we remind each other of what’s true when life gets hard. It’s how we lift the weary, comfort the hurting, and inspire the hesitant. It’s a way of saying: “You’re not alone. God is with you. And I am too.” 

In a world full of criticism, distraction, and spiritual fatigue, encouragement is like oxygen for the soul. 

1. Speak God’s Word into Their Situation 

The most powerful encouragement you can give is rooted in Scripture. 

God’s Word has authority, power, and comfort that your words alone can’t offer. When someone is struggling, quoting a timely verse can do more than a thousand empty platitudes. 

Remind them that God is their refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1). That His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). That He will never leave or forsake them (Heb. 13:5). 

When you speak God’s promises, you're not just offering hope—you’re pointing them to the Source of hope. 

2. Be Present, Not Just Correct 

Sometimes the best way to encourage someone isn’t by quoting Scripture but simply showing up. Jesus didn’t just preach truth—He walked with people, touched the sick, cried with the grieving, and ate with sinners. Likewise, encouragement often begins with your presence. 

Don’t underestimate the ministry of a phone call, a handwritten note, a shared cup of coffee, or a silent prayer offered in person. You don’t have to have all the right words. You just have to be willing to show up and love them like Christ. 

3. Share Stories of Faith

When someone feels stuck or discouraged, stories of God’s faithfulness—yours or others’—can rekindle their trust in Him. Paul frequently shared testimonies of what God was doing through the early Church to encourage believers (Phil. 1:12–14). Today, we can do the same. 

Tell them about the time God answered a prayer in your life. Or how He gave you peace during a painful season. Stories remind people that God is not just working in the past or in the lives of others—He’s at work right now, even in their situation. 

4. Call Out the Good You See in Them 

Sometimes the most encouraging words are the ones that affirm who someone is becoming in Christ. Paul often began his letters with affirmation: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Phil. 1:3). You can do the same by telling someone, “I see Christ in you when you serve,” or “You have a gift for encouraging others.” 

This isn’t flattery—it’s biblical encouragement. It helps believers see the fruit of the Spirit in their lives and gives them confidence to keep growing. 

5. Pray for Them—and Let Them Know 

When someone knows you’re praying for them, it changes everything. It reminds them that they’re not alone in the fight—and that someone is going to God on their behalf. Better yet, don’t just say you’ll pray. Do it right then and there. Pray with them over the phone or in person. Even a short prayer can lift their spirits and refocus their heart on God’s faithfulness. 

James reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (Jas. 5:16). Use that power to bless someone today. 

Final Thoughts: Encouragement as Spiritual Fitness 

At Back to the Bible, we talk a lot about spiritual fitness—staying spiritually strong, healthy, and resilient through regular habits like Bible reading and prayer. 

Encouraging others is one of those essential habits. It’s part of how we strengthen each other for the journey of faith. And when we do it regularly, it not only blesses others—it strengthens us too. 

So who in your life needs a word of encouragement today? Don’t wait. Reach out. Speak life. And remind them of the God who loves them, holds them, and will never let them go.