PARAKALEO (To Encourage)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

What is the Word?

Life is a grind. It can be tough to bounce back from some of the hard times that we go through. Fortunately, God has given us his Holy Spirit to uphold us through times of trials. Through this spirit he has established his Church, through whom he works to bless and keep his people. One of the greatest ways that the spirit moves among his people is through words of encouragement, words which the Bible calls parakaleó.

How does the Bible use this word?

Because the early Christians faced so much opposition in terms of the world being against them, we often find that the apostles and other New Testament authors make it a priority to encourage one another. Parakaleó is a compound verb which combines para (beside) and kaleo (summon, beseech). The combination of these terms has a wide domain which covers everything from exhortation to comfort and encouragement.

Where in the Bible?

Paul could be harsh in his letters, yet he could also be very uplifting and encouraging – making it a point that all Christians should exhibit this kind of behavior:

Now if anyone has caused pain, he has caused it not to me, but in some measure-not to put it too severely-to all of you. For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough, so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him.

2 Corinthians 2:5-7

There can be no greater comfort to the conscience that is burdened by sin than to hear the words of encouragement and comfort that comes through the proclamation of the Gospel. Paul makes it a point to always comfort and encourage the repentant sinner that he might rejoice in the love of Christ.

Paul also often sends individuals to congregations specifically for the purpose of extending encouragement and boosting the morale of certain congregations, especially when Paul himself is unable to present himself in-person: 

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychius the beloved brother and minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

Ephesians 6:21-22

Paul is an advocate of open communication between congregations, constantly providing updates and words of encouragement through traveling missionaries that carry his message and letters from congregation to congregation, in order that the churches of Christ might be strengthened and thrive.

Rooted in Christ

Paul’s example of encouragement goes beyond simple words. He understands the relational dynamics in the congregations and sends ministers and letters to ensure that his message is uplifting – giving hope to often persecuted Christian sects all throughout the Roman world. We can learn from Paul’s ministry how we too can take his message of hope and encouragement in Christ to one another, creating more disciples and taking the healing words of the Gospel into our relationships.