Week 23 - Encouraging One Another
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today…” (Hebrews 3:13)
Some time ago, the shackles holding a wire for a power transmission line broke and triggered a power blackout across Auckland. Two severely corroded D-shackles the size of a 10-cent coin failed in winds of 86 km/h, despite expectations that they were designed to withstand gusts of up to 140 km/h. The power failure forced the cancellation of the university examinations. School students affected were given a day off and offices were shut down. It was estimated that about $100 million worth of business were lost.
As I ponder on the devastations caused by the failure of two small shackles, I am reminded of a small body part that could bring havoc or honour to others depending on how we make use of it. I am referring to that “small part of the body” we use to communicate with one another, the tongue. James warns us that although the tongue is a small part of the body, it has the power to determine the whole course of human existence (
Although encouragement is in great demand, it is also in short supply. I read about a pastor when visiting an elderly church member in the nursing home asking, “Is there anything you need today?” She said, “Yes! There is something I need. I need encouragement.” It seems to me that although encouragement is in great demand, it is also in short supply.
There are times in our Christian journey when we face disappointments, crises and hardships. During such moments, words of encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ would spur us to press on and trust in the Lord.
Words of Encouragement
Section titled “Words of Encouragement”“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today” (
The book of Hebrews urges us to “encourage one another.” To encourage means more than a compliment or a pat on the back. Lawrence Crabb in his book Encouragement: The Key to Caring stresses the fact that encouragement helps someone become a better Christian even when life is tough.
Every Christian is called upon to encourage his brothers and sisters. When we meet together as God’s people, we are to encourage one another, and say and do things that stimulate others to a deeper appreciation of Christ and to a stronger commitment to our relationship with Him and with one another.
Notice the writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “encourage one another daily.” In other words, encouragement must take place on a regular basis. Take advantage of every opportunity. We do not have to go very far into the day to find someone who needs a word of encouragement.
Without Delay
Section titled “Without Delay”The writer of Hebrews also goes on to say that we are to encourage one another “as long as it is called Today.” The idea is not to delay. If we procrastinate, we may forget about it. Besides, if the word of encouragement is given too late, it loses its effectiveness.
Some people prefer to write a note of encouragement to others. Using e-mail or sending a text message is just as good. A more personal way is to do so verbally, either face-to-face or over the phone.
King Solomon wrote in
Whatever difficulty or problem you may have, do not walk away from God!