Hebrews 3

But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. v.13

Read chapter 3
Encouragement!  We all need it, we all crave it, yet we all forget to give it too.  If you've ever played sports or watched a friend's game, you know the impact of someone cheering for you-it makes you play harder and better.  Well the same thing goes in other areas of life than just sports.  When one is encouraged to stick with exercising, or quitting a bad habit, or educational studies, they're way more likely to succeed.  Here in Hebrews the author is specifically speaking to encourage other believers in their walk with God, "lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God" (v.12).  I know so many people that once walked with the Lord but have become hard to Him and His ways because of the lies and traps of this world.  It often seems to start with small daily things that sin and hardness toward God creeps in.  "The hardening of the heart is the spring of all other sins" (Matthew Henry).  Even the "strongest" believers need encouragement, for they are the ones that are attacked by the enemy more often to get them to turn from God.  Encouragement can be as simple as a smile, words of affirmation, a note, etc.  It's so simple but can be overlooked or forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our day.  And ought to be more than just a one time thing, but as long as it is called today- which is everyday;).  The Greek word for exhort is parakaleo and means to come along side.  We as believers are to come alongside others, a lifestyle that includes others on a regular basis and encourage one another to be more like Christ.  Do you have someone you come alongside for encouragement in your walk with Christ?  Who can you come alongside today to encourage?