Encouraging a young believer on one point of their walk
A young believer often moves forward with enthusiasm, but also with many silent doubts: Am I on the right path? Is it normal to feel this? Am I making progress? A word from a more advanced brother or sister can sustain them for weeks. This quest invites you to reach out to a believer who is younger in the faith, and to encourage them on one specific point of their walk.
What it looks like in your day
Choose the person. Someone from your church, your group, your circle, who started following Jesus not long ago. Their age doesn't matter: what counts is how young their faith is.
Observe. What good have you noticed? A gesture, speaking up, a change of attitude, a sincere question, perseverance, a service rendered. Specific encouragement always starts from an observation.
Write or say it. Some possible wordings:
- "I've noticed you ask very good questions in the group. It helps me think too."
- "I see how you hold on to prayer even when it's hard. Keep going: God sees that."
- "Your testimony on Sunday touched me. Thank you for daring."
Make the link to God. Remind them that he is the one at work: "God is doing something in you." The aim is for the young believer to lean on God, not on you.
Suggest a next step. A coffee, a reading together, a call. Encouragement that opens a relationship is worth more.
Be honest. If the young believer is going through a difficulty, you can encourage them and share a personal experience of difficulty: "I've been through that too."
If you are in a hurry, a two-line message. If you are shy, writing makes things easier. If you yourself are not far along, you surely have things to share with someone who is even less so.
What the Bible says
Paul describes his attitude as that of a father:
“As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”
A father to his children, who exhorts, comforts and charges: three verbs for three needs: exhorting (encouraging to move forward), comforting (relieving), charging (insisting with love). Each person deserves encouragement that fits. The book of Acts shows Barnabas, whose name means "son of consolation," who went to find newcomers and supported them (Acts 11:23). Paul also asks Timothy, a young leader, to be an example to believers (1 Timothy 4:12).
Pitfalls to avoid
Giving unrequested advice. Encouragement is not a lesson. Avoid adding "but you should...".
Idealizing your own faith. Show yourself as you are, with your struggles. A young believer needs to see that faith is lived with ups and downs.
Waiting too long. Late encouragement lands less well. As soon as you notice something good, say so.
Trying to shape them in your image. Encourage what God is doing in them, without leading them to copy your style.
Applying pressure. Don't put the young believer under pressure by promising a brilliant future. Stay concrete and simple.
Today, think of a believer who is younger in the faith. Write them a specific word about one point of their walk.