God is “the God who gives endurance and encouragement” (Romans 15:5). God encourages us. So does Jesus. Jesus called the Holy Spirit paraklétos, the noun form of the very word for encouragement.
Scripture encourages us. “The Scriptures, according to Romans 15:4, were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.” The saints in heaven encourage us. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
A “crowd of witnesses” applauds from the heavens, calling on us to finish strong. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the holy Scriptures, and the saints. God places a premium on encouragement.
