What does this author mean?
Paul refers to how, as Christians, we must comfort each other with the words of Scripture.
That word “comfort” means “to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in a way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, admonishment, beseeching, etc.” So not only does it imply encouragement and spiritual rejuvenation of life, but also exhortation and instruction. Colossians 3:16 says that God’s Word is the perfect tool to accomplish this mission:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Because God’s Word has the power to encourage believers.
It was designed to encourage and admonish others. Unlike our mere words, the Holy Bible has the power of the Spirit of God living inside it. It can pierce hearts. In fact, according to Isaiah, it will not return void.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
And so what is the purpose of God’s Word? 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals the answer:
These words have been given for instruction and encouragement in the way of righteousness.
Acts 20:31 adds, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
According to this verse, God’s Word has the power to build us up. It has the power to build other believers up as well. It is our job, as commanded in Scripture, to share these powerful verses with others. Then we get to watch as God uses those verses to transform hearts and minds.
In Isaiah 50:4, the prophet Isaiah reveals that the Lord has inspired him to speak encouragement into the lives of others.
These encouraging words have been recorded for us in the Scriptures. The same words that had the power to give “a word in season to him who is weary” has the power even today to encourage and comfort believers in the trials and afflictions that they may face.
Indeed, many times throughout Psalm 119, David highlights the importance of the Scriptures to restore and encourage his soul. He says, “This [God’s Word] is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life” (Psalm 119:50).
In fact, David points out that “Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92) God’s Word was the very thing that gave comfort to his soul. It can do the same in our lives as well.
Sometimes in affliction, the pain or wrong thinking can blind our thoughts to the truth of God’s Word. A friend who knows truth can share truth with that one that they may have missed. This is a scriptural principle and is very beautiful. God’s Word was created to encourage and comfort the weary soul. Let us use the tools that God has given us for encouragement frequently to inspire those around us to wholeheartedly pursue Christ.
“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
And so what is the purpose of God’s Word? 2 Timothy 3:16 reveals the answer:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”
These words have been given for instruction and encouragement in the way of righteousness.
Acts 20:31 adds, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
According to this verse, God’s Word has the power to build us up. It has the power to build other believers up as well. It is our job, as commanded in Scripture, to share these powerful verses with others. Then we get to watch as God uses those verses to transform hearts and minds.
In Isaiah 50:4, the prophet Isaiah reveals that the Lord has inspired him to speak encouragement into the lives of others.
“The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.”
These encouraging words have been recorded for us in the Scriptures. The same words that had the power to give “a word in season to him who is weary” has the power even today to encourage and comfort believers in the trials and afflictions that they may face.
Indeed, many times throughout Psalm 119, David highlights the importance of the Scriptures to restore and encourage his soul. He says, “This [God’s Word] is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life” (Psalm 119:50).
In fact, David points out that “Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92) God’s Word was the very thing that gave comfort to his soul. It can do the same in our lives as well.
Sometimes in affliction, the pain or wrong thinking can blind our thoughts to the truth of God’s Word. A friend who knows truth can share truth with that one that they may have missed. This is a scriptural principle and is very beautiful. God’s Word was created to encourage and comfort the weary soul. Let us use the tools that God has given us for encouragement frequently to inspire those around us to wholeheartedly pursue Christ.
And it's so much easier to encourage others with Scripture if you have it memorized.
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