We Need Regular Encouragement

Note from today’s Bible reading: Hebrews 3-4

The Hebrew writer warned about the real possibility of Christians falling away from the faith. He wrote, “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12).

These were not only “brethren,” they were “holy brethren” (Hebrews 3:1). In other words, they were faithful Christians when this letter was written. Yet even though they were currently following the Lord, the Hebrew writer knew that the time could come when they might turn away from Him.

He did not have in mind only certain individuals who were known to waver in their faith. For us today, if we hear of certain Christians falling away, we might be disappointed but not too surprised, especially if they seemed to be more worldly-minded or not very committed. However, this verse warns about this happening to “any one of you.” In other words, any of us could potentially fall away.

This should be a wake-up call for each of us. If this is a possibility for us, what should we do? He continued, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). We often read this verse as a reminder to encourage others, yet it is also reminding us that we need encouragement from others. None of us are exempt from this.

So remember that we need regular encouragement. No matter how strong we think our faith is, it can crumble if we do not continue to strengthen it. Therefore, let us recognize our need for our brethren and the encouragement they can offer.