Encourage One Another

See to it, brothers, 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. (Hebrews 3:12-13)

When we're working toward a goal, whether it's weight loss or a work project or a new level of spiritual maturity, it's important to have encouragement and feedback from those around us. Often we start off with gangbusters on our journey, but can quickly lose that enthusiasm if we don't feel or see that we are making progress.

Encouraging words, whether written or spoken, have always meant a great deal to me. They are definitely one of my "love languages." When I'm going through a hard time, I need to hear those encouraging words more than ever.

The Hebrew writer said that we were to encourage one another in order that we not be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. When it comes down to it, we are all listening to someone--either God's truth, or Satan's lies. Encouraging, truthful words from fellow believers is crucial to keep us from becoming discouraged and buying into Satan's lies.

If you know someone who is struggling through some circumstance, reach out to them today with encouragement. A simple "I love you and I'm praying for you" will do wonders. Point out ways that you see that they are making progress in their faith during this difficult time or how their faith has encouraged you and others. So often we feel like we are trudging through difficulties all alone and are unaware of the impact that our faith in the midst of suffering is having on someone else.