Hebrews 3:13

[13] But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (ESV)

Some form of that word “exhort” (parakaleo in the Greek) occurs 109 times in the Scriptures, which tells us it is a really big deal to God. It literally means to “urge, beg, appeal, encourage, comfort”. Ultimately, it is the act of brothers and sisters in Christ speaking words of weight to each other that foster growth in Christlikeness. I am struck by the fact that Hebrews 3:13 tells us that this is to happen “every day.” For that to happen will require several significant changes:

1. We will have to relate to one another more regularly, certainly more often than a couple of Sundays a month when it fits our schedules.
2. We will have to relate to one another more deeply, speaking words of weight that go beyond small talk.
3. We will have to relate to one another more vulnerably, giving permission for others to speak the truth in love to us.

Yeah, this isn’t business as usual. It will be unusual, different than the surface relationships of the world (and much of the church). But that’s the idea. We are not the world. We are called to something greater.

Hebrews 3:13 ends with a warning: “that you may not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” If we do not actively pursue these kinds of relationships, we can expect our hearts to become cold and hard.

Are there steps you need to take today to pursue relationships of exhortation?