Hebrews 10:19-25
Encouragement
This sermon examines the biblical imperative to encourage one another, emphasizing that true encouragement affirms who people are, not just what they do. Practical methods include direct affirmation, written notes, phone calls, acts of service, and presence with those who hurt.
Introduction
Think of the people who have done or said things to you which built you up. Think of the people who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself. Think of the people who seemed to know when you needed a pick me up and they are the ones who offered it. I mean really think of some people. Think of their names and their faces. See them in your mind’s eye.
When we think back on the people who encouraged us, those folks occupy a special place in our minds and hearts. Encouragement is the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit, or hope. When we encourage others we spur them on, we stimulate and affirm them. When we encourage we express not just appreciation for what a person has done, but we affirm who they are. And it is the affirmation that we need. We do appreciate the pats on the back. And these are vital parts of encouragement. But what we really appreciate are the affirmations. The words which reach down into our very core and confirm that we are who we want to be. Everyone needs affirmation. Everyone. No matter how mature we may be, a big dose of affirmation lifts, builds, encourages and we all need that from time to time.
In Hebrews 10:19-25, there are a number of things that we could talk about. But I want us to focus just on verse 25. The writer says in verse 19 that we have confidence to approach God because of the blood of Jesus. Jesus has given us immediate access to the throne room of God. So we are encouraged to draw near to God. We are invited to come very close to God. We do not have to feel like we are walking on eggshells. Next we are to hold fast to our confession. We are to hold on to the reliable truth of God. Then we are told to think about ways to spur one another on to love and good deeds. The writer is talking about encouragement. In fact in verse 25, the meeting together in an assembly and this encouragement go together. My question is how?
How is meeting together and encouragement related? Some have suggested that just the sheer presence of other people is encouraging and I suppose that is true. We may all feel built up when there is a larger than normal crowd. But is the author trying to say that we need to make sure that everyone is present and that alone will encourage us? The word used in Hebrews 10:25 comes from the same root word used to describe the Holy Spirit in John 14:26 & 16:7. It is a word which means to call alongside for the purpose of helping. Just as the Holy Spirit is called alongside to help us, so we are called alongside to help each other. This is the nature of encouragement.
More than just seeing faces, there is to be activity which uplifts and builds up. I am absolutely convinced that there are many people who are drying up on the vine simply because of the lack of encouragement. Lonely and forgotten, they continue to plod along but each passing day becomes more difficult and more burdensome. We need to give thought to specific ways we can lift up, affirm and help others. Not in some kind of once and for all basis, but to be continually looking for ways to encourage.
As I thought about this lesson, I struggled with trying to make it very practical. I want to suggest some very specific things, then I want to shift gears very quickly to another specific item. Here are some ways to encourage.
Speak directly to another about admirable qualities that you see. Consider affirming punctuality, tactfulness, faithfulness, attitude, loyalty, sense of humor, honesty, compassion, and diligence.
Notes. The written word bolsters. Writing a note to say thank you, I admire you, I have watched you, and then give reasons for the note. Don’t hide the message. Be clear, brief, effusive.
Phone calls. Brief and to the point. I just called to say… and then fill in the blank. You will not realize the impact it will make.
Acts of service and generosity. Take someone out to eat or invite them to your house for dinner. Provide free tickets to some event that you know the person or family would enjoy. Send flowers. Write a check. Buy a book.
Come close to those who are hurting. Give them a shoulder to lean on or to cry on. Make sure they know you are there for them.
Now think who are the people who encouraged you. How did they encourage you? How much did it mean to you at the moment and even now as you think about it? Who could you pass that on to? How will you pass it on? Who among us could you encourage? How will you do it? When will you do it? What will hinder you from doing it?
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