Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
Recently, I met someone who was struggling with a difficult life situation. Her colleagues surrounded her and committed to helping her get through it. Their support gave her much needed courage when she needed it most. It was a beautiful picture of someone getting through life with loving Christian support.
When was the last time someone really encouraged you? How did it make you feel? How did you view yourself afterwards? If you haven’t been encouraged in a while, how greatly do you long for it? If the daily news headlines are anything to go by, our whole world needs encouragement right now. Perhaps a family member, friend or colleague at work needs encouragement. Maybe it’s the teller at your local supermarket, your doctor, or even your pastor and his wife who need encouragement.
In the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19: 1-10), Jesus encouraged an outcast tax collector and changed the trajectory of his life. Jesus told Zacchaeus that he wanted to spend time with him, followed through with that commitment to the dismay of others, and the entire town was blessed. In fact, the whole Bible is filled with encouraging words for God’s people (Consider these verses: Deut. 7:6; 1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 43:1). A little encouragement directed at one person can go a long way as we see in Zacchaeus’ case.
The author of the Book of Hebrews encourages us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” and all the more as we see the Day approaching. Let us choose to speak life this week, and to honor those around us, rather than criticize or condemn. Let us look at those around us in the same way God looks at us, through the lens of grace. It is God’s desire that we give and receive encouragement.
So, take a moment and look around you, who needs encouragement this week? Let us be intentional and deliberate as we sow encouragement in all the other spaces where God has placed us, we just might change the trajectory of someone’s life. AMEN.