Introduction
Encouragement helps a child recognize the good God is growing in another person and put that hope into words or actions. It can be as simple as noticing someone’s effort, welcoming a new friend, or offering help when a task feels difficult.
This guide helps parents and caregivers explore biblical encouragement through the example of Barnabas and the instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. It offers a conversation that stands on its own without retelling the bedtime story.
Why This Lesson Matters
Children hear many messages about how they look, perform, or compare with others. Thoughtful encouragement shifts their attention toward grace, growth, courage, and the ways God is at work.
Biblical encouragement is deeper than praise. It does not flatter or pretend everything is easy. It speaks truth with love, helps someone keep going, and reminds people that they are seen and valued.
When encouragement becomes part of family life, children learn that their words carry responsibility. They can choose language that strengthens friendships, comforts hurting people, and reflects the kindness of Jesus.
Understanding the Bible Verse
“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Paul wrote these words to a community of believers. The phrase “one another” shows that encouragement is shared work. Every member of God’s family can give it, and every member sometimes needs to receive it.
To “build each other up” means helping another person become stronger in faith, hope, and love. Children can understand this picture by thinking about blocks. Careful words add strength, while cruel words can knock down what someone is working hard to build.
What Children Can Learn
God can use my words and actions to give others hope and help them grow.
Children can learn to make encouragement specific and sincere. Instead of only saying “good job,” they might say, “You kept trying even when that was hard,” or, “It was kind of you to include her.”
They can also learn that encouragement includes actions. Listening, sharing, helping, praying, and staying beside a friend can communicate hope when words are hard to find.
Conversation Starters
- What does it mean to encourage someone?
- How do kind words make your heart feel?
- What is the difference between building someone up and showing off?
- Why might someone need encouragement when a task is difficult?
- How can we encourage a person without using words?
- Who has encouraged you recently, and what did that person do?
- Who could our family encourage this week?
Family Activity
Time: 5 to 15 minutes You will need: building blocks, cups, or any safe stackable household items
Build One Another Up. Take turns adding one item to a small tower. Before placing an item, say one sincere, specific encouragement to another family member. You might notice a kind choice, brave effort, God-given gift, or way that person helps your family.
When the tower is complete, read 1 Thessalonians 5:11 together. Ask how each encouraging sentence was like adding strength to the tower. Choose one person outside your home to encourage with words or a helpful action this week.
Family Prayer
Dear God, thank You for encouraging us through Your love and Your Word. Help us notice the good You are growing in others. Give us honest, gentle words that bring hope, and show us caring actions that build people up. Make our home a place where each person feels seen, helped, and loved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Encouragement
Children learn encouragement by hearing it practiced. Specific words such as, “I noticed how patiently you helped,” show them that encouragement pays attention to character and growth, not only achievement.
There will be days when kind words do not come easily. Begin again with one truthful sentence, one caring action, or one short prayer. God can use these ordinary choices to make your family a place where people grow stronger together. For more faith-building conversations, browse the Parent Guides library or learn more about Bedtime Bible Letters.
Perfect for Families and Children’s Ministry
These Parent Guides are designed to help:
- Family bedtime discussions
- Sunday School lessons
- Homeschool Bible study
- Children’s church
- Family devotions
- Small group discussions
These Parent Guides are meant to be shared. Print a copy for your home, church, homeschool, or classroom, and use it to help children discover God’s Word in meaningful and practical ways.