A “one size fits all” approach rarely produces the most effective results in ministry. People are at varying places in their walk with God. They could have different perceptions of the same situation because of their backgrounds, personalities, and other factors.
Consequently, as the Apostle Paul pointed out in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14, we acknowledge some for their work while warning others. Some simply need encouragement while others need a much greater degree of support.
While Bible teachers could find themselves taking on these different roles at different times with different students, during times of trouble they may frequently find themselves taking on the role of an encourager.
Who Do Bible Teachers Need to Encourage in Times of Trouble?
We’re instructed to “encourage the disheartened” (1 Thess. 5:14). The original Greek word for disheartened, oligopsychos, comes from two words, oligos meaning “small” and psuche meaning “the soul”, suggesting “small-souled”. This word also gets translated as fainthearted, timid, and discouraged. Perhaps these are people whose faith is weak or who lack courage. They may be despondent or in a place of despair.
These are people who need some positivity brought into their lives which comes through hope.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Prov. 13:12)
Bible Teachers Become Encouragers by Offering Promises with Real Hope
People need to see that things will get better in some way. But, Bible teachers need to think through what they can honestly promise students.
- You can’t promise life will get better as sometimes it gets worse before it gets better and in some cases we won’t see the good until eternity.
But, you can encourage them that God has a purpose in what they’re going through (Rom. 8:28; James 1:2-4).
- You can’t promise their circumstances will change.
But you can encourage them that while circumstances might not change, they can change, becoming more “mature and complete” because of what they’re experiencing if they persevere (James 1:2-4).
- You can’t promise they won’t feel pain, whether emotional or physical.
But, you can encourage them with the promise there will come a day when all pain and sorrow will be no more. But, in the meantime, God will be with them to help them navigate even the darkest valleys of life (Ps. 23:4).
- You can’t promise people will always be there for them.
But, you can encourage them with the promise that God will never betray or forsake. Nothing, or no one, can separate them from His love (Rom. 8:33-39).
These are the positives in the troubles of life. If your students grab hold of what God does promise, they should be encouraged. Prayerfully they will be able to join the psalmist in saying, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Ps. 42:11)
Bible teachers, what steps will you take to encourage your students right now?
The Bible Teachers’ Many Roles in Times of Trouble resource includes what you read above and also looks at the different sources of hope teachers can pull on as well as some steps teachers can take to encourage students in light of all this.