Hebrews 3:13
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
I recall Professor Howard Hendricks commenting about how easy it is to dampen the fervor of a new Christian. The new believer will share a spiritual truth he or she has just discovered and the more mature believer they share it with will blow it off as if a three year old could find such a thing.
Professor Hendricks shared how he makes it a point of being so thrilled over the new believer’s discovery that he fairly jumps up and down in excitement and encouragement. This sort of encouragement causes the new believer to want to spend even more time searching the Word.
Each of us has the choice to either encourage or discourage people. Perhaps there is a third option of simply ignoring people. I have heard it said that being ignored is almost worse than being demeaned. It is like they do not exist.
How do you feel you rate in the encouragement department? Do others feel motivated to draw closer to the Lord after they have spent time with you? Are they excited to share what they have discovered in their personal Bible study? Do not let Satan have the victory because of your indifference. Be an encourager!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – – Pastor Cecil