This year of 2019, we will look at being encouraged, encouraging others, ways to encourage, and who to encourage. This will be a year of doing and action.
Hebrews 3:13 KJV says “But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Exhort is to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something. In the referenced passage, the Hebrews are being warned about sin and the dangers of unbelief. Now mind you there was still conflict on who could become Christians as the gospel spread to other groups of people. It was still believed by many that Jews were preferred because that’s where the church began. They felt the only way Gentiles (non-Jews) could become Christians was to first become Jews, be circumcised according to the Law of Moses and then they could become Christians! Imagine living under such scrutiny to become a follower of Jesus. It was easy to give in to sin, just as it is today, and turn against God. The writer of this passage was driving home that we don’t know if we have tomorrow to get it together so let’s make the best of today. While it is today, encourage others in their faith. Encourage others to make life improvements, be they spiritual or natural -- both would be best. Let’s be the cheerleader for someone today -- everyday -- to help them find their way to a more meaningful, purposeful, productive life in Christ and in this world. There is sin everywhere we turn -- sadness and grief, depression and frustration. While it is today, hope and confidence where there seemingly is none so that the love of Christ becomes the love of the world.
In what ways can I encourage someone everyday?
Can I encourage others when I feel I need encouragement? How does that work?
What does encouragement look like to me?
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