We are looking at ways we can prepare our hearts for spiritual renewal and growth. So far, our discussion has included a commitment to God’s Word and to prayer. Today we turn our attention to encouraging one another.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Hebrews 3:13 NASB (New American Standard Bible, 1960, 1995)
Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Hebrews 3:13 NKJV
Hebrews 3:13 ESV
Hebrews 3:13 NLT
Hebrews 3:13 NCV
Hebrews 3:13 MESSAGE
Understand the original Greek? See Hebrews 3:13 in the Nestle – Aland Greek text.
Biblical encouragement isn’t focused on making compliments. Christian encouragement shares our hope. It points out evidence of God’s grace. It asks us to rest assured that God is in control of our lives.
Lesson Handout
If you are interested in having a lesson summary, use this pdf as a handout.
The third step in preparing to receive the blessing of God is to encourage one another.
Steps to Encourage One Another
Encouragement was a part of the early church’s community and fellowship together (Acts 13:15, 16:40, 18:27, 20:1-2, 27:36). They spurred one another on to a further place in faith (Acts 14:22), hope (Rom 15:4), unity (Rom 15:5, Col 2:2), joy (Acts 15:31), strength (Acts 15:32), fruitfulness (Heb 10:24) faithfulness (1 Thes 2:12), perseverance (Heb 10:25) and the certainty of Christ’s return (1 Thes 4:18).
Here are three things you can do to become a better encourager.
First, pray for God to give you a heart that encourages. A part of that prayer must include dying to singularly self-centered desires and perspectives. Trust that God, through His Spirit, will teach you how to build up others for His glory and their spiritual good.
Second, concentrate on noticing people who need encouragement. We are in such a face-paced life, we don’t always notice the person who wallows in discouragement. Pay attention to those closest to you and don’t be afraid to act. Sometimes a kind word or a smile goes a long distance toward giving others hope.
Second, make encouragement a daily discipline. If daily disciplines don’t come naturally for you, build the structure to make it happen. Make specific lists of who you need to encourage and how (note, email, text, call, prayer) you intend to make it happen.
Your Cafeteria of Commitment
Your Cafeteria of Commitment offers several ways that you can put the truths of today’s lesson into practice in your life. Don’t feel that you have to do everything listed here. Pick ones that fit your personality and circumstances, or let them be springboards for your own ideas.
- Share with the group someone who has been an encouragement to you. How have they done that? Can you give some specific examples?
- Why is encouragement so important in the Christian experience? Is it at the heart of fellowship?
- How important is listening and paying attention to the gift and ministry of encouragement? What can happen when you notice things?
The quest to be someone who encourages others will challenge you to further reading. Therefore, you will want to examine other articles on our website. Be sure and look for our article, Tis the Season to Celebrate. There are also references to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia site as well as other web sites.
- How to be an Encourager by Christianity Today
- 5 Qualities You Need to Be a Great Encourager by Jim Akers
- 15 Ways to Become a Better Person by John Rampton
- Encouragement by Chuck Swindoll
- Encouragement When You Need it Most by Andy Cook
- Encourage Someone: Be a Barnabas
- Barnabas: An Encouraging Early Church Leader by Biblical Archaeology Society
- Desiring God | Encouragement Resources
- Spirit of Encouragement by John Piper
- 12 Of the Best Ways to Encourage Someone by weeksmakeslives.com
- Encouragement Needed Now
- Finding the Encouragement You Need by discardedanxiety.com
- Encourgagement Takes the Sting Out of Life by Chuck Swindoll