HEBREWS 3:13

“But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Everyone likes to be encouraged. Isn’t that true? Think of all the parents at the ballfields during football, soccer or baseball seasons. Why are they there? To encourage their child(ren) to do their best and to lift them up if their team falls short of the victory. It’s a proven fact that children whose parents regularly attend their games play harder and better. Just ask the coaches.

So, today we have the writer of Hebrews telling us through the Holy Spirit to do that very thing for each other. He writes, “encourage one another every day.” We’ll look at some other spots in the New Testament where this is also mentioned. But look closely at why he tells us to do this. He says, “so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” You see, living the Christian life isn’t meant to be a solo sport. You need teammates to come alongside you. In fact, the Greek word for “encourage” means exactly that. It means to come near or to comfort. That’s what encourages us, right?

ASK QUESTIONS (Command to Obey, Promise to claim, Sin to avoid, Application to make, Something new about God)

We see here a clear Command to Obey since “encourage” is in the Imperative. That’s the Greek command voice. It’s also in the Present tense which means to continue doing it. We should do this every day. Don’t stop. Keep encouraging! In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul uses this same command. “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.” Earlier in the same book, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, “Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” The word “comfort” is the same word translated as “encourage” in our text today and in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer gives us the same admonition. “24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” I think you can see this is important for us to do for each other.

Is there someone you need to encourage today? Maybe someone is going through a hard, physical challenge right now and just needs to know you are praying for them. Recently, when I went through one of those, I had friends and family reach out to me to encourage and pray for me. What a blessing. And that makes me want to reach out to others also. Ask the Lord to show you who He would have you encourage. Then do it. Call them or text them. Let them know they are in your prayers. Encourage one another.

Thank You, Lord, for sending others into my life to encourage me. Help me do the same.