Power of Encouragement: Pastor Israel urges Christians to lift one another

Pastor Emmanuel Israel of the United Evangelical Church (UEC), National Worship Centre, has called on Christians to deliberately cultivate the culture of encouraging and supporting one another, describing encouragement as a divine assignment capable of strengthening believers to withstand the harsh realities of life and remain steadfast in their faith.

Speaking during a sermon titled “The Power of Encouragement,” anchored on Hebrews 10:24-25 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14, Pastor Israel said the growing economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, sickness, fear and uncertainty confronting many people have made encouragement more necessary than ever.

He warned that discouragement has become one of the enemy’s most potent weapons against believers, designed to weaken their resolve, create doubt, isolate them from Christian fellowship and ultimately derail them from the faith.

According to him, while many people appear cheerful and well-dressed on the outside, countless individuals silently carry heavy emotional, financial and spiritual burdens that remain hidden beneath their outward appearance.

“The clothes people wear may provide a beautiful outward appearance, but underneath are untold pains, disappointments and discouragement. We must learn to see beyond appearances because many people are quietly fighting battles no one knows about,” he said.

Pastor Israel stressed that every individual, regardless of social status or spiritual maturity, experiences moments of weakness, adding that such moments often require the support and intervention of fellow believers.

He noted that God, in His infinite mercy, always raises men and women of compassion and faith to strengthen those who are weary and on the verge of giving up.

He therefore urged members of the church to become spiritually discerning enough to identify those struggling under life’s pressures and extend practical help before they become overwhelmed.

“In moments of weakness, everyone needs someone to lean on. No one is immune to life’s challenges. Our responsibility as believers is to become an anchor for those who are discouraged, fearful and emotionally exhausted,” he admonished.

The cleric also identified fear as another major obstacle confronting Christians, noting that fear respects neither age, status nor spiritual standing.

Drawing from God’s promises of comfort and strength, he reminded believers that although life’s journey is often accompanied by fear and uncertainty, God remains faithful and continually raises people who will encourage and strengthen others through difficult seasons.

Using the illustration of a battlefield, Pastor Israel explained that even the bravest soldiers can be struck by bullets despite their courage. Likewise, he said, even the strongest Christians can sometimes become emotionally or spiritually wounded by life’s unexpected circumstances.

“When someone falls under the weight of life’s battles, our assignment is not to criticize but to lift them. If God uses you to restore someone, it is not because of your strength but because you are fulfilling divine purpose,” he stated.

He lamented the increasing number of people who resort to suicide and other desperate actions because they lack individuals willing to stand with them during their darkest moments.

According to him, many tragedies could be prevented if people intentionally became agents of hope, comfort and encouragement to those around them.

“Throwing in the towel should never be an option. There is always hope. God wants us to become catalysts of encouragement so that people do not lose hope in themselves or in Him,” he said.

Pastor Israel further cautioned Christians against becoming overly spiritual whenever fellow believers face genuine physical and economic challenges.

He observed that hunger, unemployment, financial hardship and sickness are real situations requiring practical intervention rather than mere religious expressions.

He challenged members to identify struggling brethren, support them materially where possible and create an atmosphere where vulnerable members feel loved, accepted and strengthened rather than neglected.

“People who are hungry, sick or financially overwhelmed need encouragement alongside practical support. Helping them may be the very thing that keeps them connected to God and His church,” he noted.

The preacher also condemned the practice of mocking or exploiting people because of their present circumstances, warning that such attitudes only deepen discouragement and could drive people away from Christian fellowship.

He urged believers to replace criticism with compassion, reminding the congregation that everyone carries unseen burdens and that even the smallest act of kindness can transform an individual’s life or family.

“It is a great disservice to use people’s challenges against them. Instead of condemning or ridiculing them, encourage them. Little acts of support can produce extraordinary results in people’s lives,” he warned.

Concluding the sermon, Pastor Israel described encouragement as both a spiritual responsibility and a practical demonstration of Christian love.

He encouraged members to consistently look out for one another, remain committed to fellowship, speak words that edify, strengthen weak hands and inspire hope.

Reiterating the exhortation in Hebrews 10:24-25, he called on believers to provoke one another unto love and good works, warning against isolation and the neglect of Christian gatherings.

“No one is too important to need encouragement, and no one is too insignificant to encourage another person. Encouragement builds spiritual strength, strengthens Christian fellowship and creates a healthy, united and compassionate church where everyone is inspired to remain faithful despite life’s challenges,” he concluded.