“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
Encouragement is a gift that keeps on giving. Science has provided numerous studies showing the benefits of encouragement. The business world has a lot of articles on why encouragement is better than criticism for creating happy and productive employees. Most importantly, for Christians, we are called out to be daily encouragers.
Encouragement keeps our hearts open, not hardened by the criticism of a critical world. A word of encouragement can turn someone’s day around. It can give someone the strength they need to keep going. It’s even possible that the right encouragement at the right time can save a life. So let’s challenge ourselves to take the words from Hebrews 3:13 to heart and “encourage one another daily!”
Prayer: Dear Lord, it is easy to let my heart be hardened by the criticalness and negativity that seems so prevalent. May I take refuge in Your Word. Help me to encourage others openly and accept encouragement with an open and joyful heart. Keep my heart from being hardened, and help me to bring encouragement to those around me today and every day. Amen.