Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 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. (Heb 3:12-13)We're aware of other commands regarding interpersonal communication. We are to "teach and admonish" (Col 3:16; etc.) one another. We're supposed to "correct" those who are in opposition (2 Tim 2:25). And, in all things, of course, we are to love as Jesus loved (John 13:34-35). But ... how are we doing with all that? It seems as if some of us have that "admonish" and "correct" thing down pretty good. How many of us would classify ourselves as "encouragers"?
Don't get me wrong. "Correction" is necessary. "Teach" and "admonish" are both important. I'm not denying it. It just seems that too many of us spend far more time on these important approaches than encouragement. The biblical word is parakaleō, often translated "exhort." It means to "walk alongside." It's the idea of "It's you and me in this; let's get through it together." It is aimed at strengthening the weak so they can go the right way. It is, in fact, a primary reason Jesus promised His disciples the Holly Spirit. He would be a parakaleō -- same root word, same root idea. In all our interactions, we are called to love, sacrificially, as Christ did. I don't know about you, but I could really use some encouragement from time to time. I would really appreciate an "I'm here for you; we're in this together" person. And, if that's true, I would bet that others would, as well. So I should be that person, too. I think, in fact, it's fundamental to the concept of "discipleship," isn't it? I doubt anyone is going to change my name to "Encourager," but I'd like to be worthy of it as a follower of Christ.
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