“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV).
Encouragement. Every single person on this planet needs encouragement. It not only makes us feel good to receive it, but it spurs us forward, gives us hope that we are accomplishing something, makes us feel part of something greater. It is free to give and free to receive, it can be simple or it can be extravagant. However, the best thing is this, too, is subject to Papa’s math. The more we encourage others, the more we are encouraged.
Today’s Scripture is most often used in the context of getting people to come to church, but I contend that it goes deeper than that. No matter where, when, or how we gather together, we are sharpening each other. My sword may have taken many dings in battle and you, in your love and encouragement, are the tool with which my sword is sharpened. And vice versa. We need each other.
Encouragement is also not only for when we are gathered together as believers, encouragement is also an evangelistic tool. We live in a fallen world where many people feel left out, forgotten, passed over, lonely, not worthy, etc.; yet, Papa sees every single one. We need to be discerning and listening to the Holy Spirit for words of encouragement to bring light and love into the darkness they often feel oppressed by. We should never save encouraging words for just our brethren, we must take them out of the vaults of our hearts and unbox them before the world.
Be an encourager.
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