Hebrews 3:12-13
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful,
unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as
it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s
deceitfulness.
“Encourage” defined:
1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence
2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.
3. to promote, advance, or foster
(Dictionary.com Unabridged)
Everyone hungers for encouragement, believers are no exception, each
one needs encouragement. Christian encouragement builds strength for the
battles against sin’s deceitful nature. “One
another” appears time and again, as New Testament references teach us to walk
side by side, to bear one another’s burden.
Too much of the time, we choose independence. Scripture urges Christians to encourage one
another, let us ponder some of them:
Acts 11:22-23
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to
Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he
was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their
hearts.
Acts 15:32
Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to
encourage and strengthen the believers.
Acts 16:40
After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s
house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.
Then they left.
Acts 18:27
When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged
him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a
great help to those who by grace had believed.
Acts 20:1-2
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after
encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. He traveled through that area, speaking many
words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece,
Romans 1:11-12
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to
make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged
by each other’s faith
2Corinthians13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration,
encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and
peace will be with you.
Ephesians 6:21-22
Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell
you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I
am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and
that he may encourage you.
Colossians 4:7-9
Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a
faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him
to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and
that he may encourage your hearts. He is
coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They
will tell you everything that is happening here.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left
by ourselves in Athens. We sent
Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading
the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your
faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.
1 Thessalonians 3:7-8
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we
were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live,
since you are standing firm in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and
disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with
everyone.
2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season;
correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Looking back to Hebrews 3:12-13, Let us encourage one another in the
present, not rely on yesterday’s words and deeds, and not procrastinate-“I’ll
call, write, visit tomorrow”. Someone is
in need of encouragement today. Who will
bring it? And let us also be thankful
for each word/deed of encouragement aimed at us.
Thoughts of Job’s wife have lingered in my mind recently. Over the years, I have harshly judged
her. Job’s friends came to him, once
they received news of his devastating losses.
Maybe Ms. Job also had friends come to comfort and encourage her. We are not told. The thought of losing one child, let alone
all born to her (10 children, in her case), my imagination cannot comprehend
the depth her despair. The losses don’t
end there. Loss of massive property and
her husband’s health is severely stricken.
How can she begin to comfort her spouse?
She is credited with only one statement in the book of Job-speaking to
her husband. “Why do you hold onto your
integrity? Curse God and die.” She turned away from God. Yet, Job continued to refrain from blaming
God. He did not sin. Would her story be different, if she, too,
was lifted up by faithful friends?
Job’s wife may not fit into this discussion of encouragement, but her
story continues to bring questions to mind.
Days on earth bring heartache and discouragement to everyone. Christians are not spared the difficult days;
on the contrary, their heartaches may be multiplied through persecution for the
faith they hold. God commands His
children to support, strengthen and encourage one another. Who will obey? What brother or sister can I spur on today?
Father God,
You who give encouragement and endurance. Thank You for the hope You provide through
Your Word. Thank You, for Your plan:
Christians encouraging one another-strength for the battle. Let us take up the assignment to encourage
and lift one another up. Give us eyes to
see the need, give us words to speak life, give us hands and feet to
serve. May our words and our deeds be
pleasing in Your sight, may they serve as an encouragement to all in our
path. Jesus’, love and compassion, show
us how to encourage-may we be good students of His example and others in
Scripture who walked as encouragers.
In His precious name, Amen
Mischelle Oliver, Stephenville
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