Called to Encourage – Jennifer Woodley
‘But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.’ Hebrews 3:13 (NRSV)
Our salvation depends upon the intentional encouragement and exhortation we believers offer to one another. Eternal security is a community project. The perseverance of the saints is a corporate responsibility. God calls His people to persevere in faith until the end by encouraging one another. In this way, none shall be lost to the deceitfulness of sin.
We must develop the kind of relationships whereby we help each other hold fast to the promises of God and so escape the deceitfulness of sin. If, however, we think we are beyond the need for exhortation, then our heart has probably already fallen prey to the schemes of the enemy.
What a difference it would make in our church community if, when all of us woke in the morning, we would plan to strengthen someone in their faith. Surely our mark of Christian maturity is that we build into our life intention to both pray for and strengthen someone in their relationship with God. Who can we build up in the faith today? And just as important, who are our friends in the faith with whom we can practice this habit? We need to surround ourselves with others (even just a few believers) who will continually point each other to Jesus for hope and strength.
‘Father, thank you for those I know who love you, who encourage me in my faith and also for those I can encourage to walk closer with you. Show me Lord who I can spur on in their faith today.’
Jennifer is an Australian writer who enjoys encouraging others on their journey with Jesus. Contact
