The word translated encouraged
(παραμυθούμενοι/paramuthoumenoi) denotes the activity whereby one person seeks to comfort others by relieving their sense of distress. It is frequently used in association with bereavement. However, the comfort offered was not simply directed toward the emotions, but aimed to strengthen people so that they would be able to persevere in righteousness despite their suffering. Consolation thus conceived partakes of the nature of exhortation more than it does of the sympathy characteristic of modern condolences.
1 While still in Thessalonica, Paul had foreseen that the new disciples of Jesus would suffer persecution, and had sought to fortify them against it—no doubt by comforting them (1 Thessalonians 3:3–5).
12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.