Toni Smothers
"See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end." (Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV)
Believers are called to speak encouraging words to one another, building up hope so we'll all be together in Christ, with no one left out. It's true that we are already doing this sometimes, but keep on doing it. Make a choice to always be an encourager, especially when it's encouraging someone we deem unworthy of our blessing. In honesty, we are all equally unworthy and it is inappropriate for us to make that kind of judgment - God is the only just judge. We think of ourselves much more highly that we should when we feel superior to anyone. How different would life be if we all decided, without exception, to hold each other up in love?
Also, pray for and honor those Pastors, teachers and leaders who work so hard for us, who have been given the responsibility of guiding us along the path of obedience and commitment. We ought to be generous with our appreciation and support. They need to be encouraged by the people they bless with their dedication and hard work. Reach out to them in love and help keep them consistent through their exhaustive efforts to reach the stragglers and the discouraged souls in need of our Savior. Encouragement is to the spirit what food is to the body - We thrive and flourish when we offer or receive a gracious word. Leave no behind as we all reverently continue to serve and worship our God.