# encourage, encouragement # ## Definition: ## The terms "encourage" and encouragement" refer to saying and doing things to cause someone to have comfort, hope, confidence, and courage. * A similar term is "exhort," which means to urge someone to reject an activity that is wrong and to instead do things that are good and right. * The apostle Paul and other New Testament writers taught Christians to encourage one another to love and serve others. ## Translation Suggestions ## * Depending on the context, ways to translate "encourage" could include, "urge" or "comfort" or "say kind things" or "help and support." * The phrase, "give words of encouragement" means, "say things that cause other people to feel loved, accepted, and empowered." (See also: [exhort](../kt/exhort.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [1 Corinthians 14:1-4](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1co/14/01) * [2 Corinthians 07:13-14](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2co/07/13) * [Acts 16:40](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/16/40) * [Deuteronomy 01:37-38](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/deu/01/37) * [Hebrews 03:12-13](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/heb/03/12)