Encouragement: Hebrews 10:19-25
by Steve Roe
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 18 No. 1, 31 March 1992
When considering why people leave the church, it's essential to look at the situation objectively. Before condemning those who have decided to depart, the first place we should look for answers is in the mirror. As we consider the reasons many people give, we can likely reduce most of them to a common factor - discouragement. We could also probably apply this same answer to the many problems associated with divorce or suicide.
Most humans are fairly forgiving people and have the capacity to forgive even some of the worst transgressions against them. However, when discouragement sets in, then even the smallest of problems becomes a reason for leaving. We might say that a person’s love for God should overcome discouragements, and idealistically, this would be correct. But we can hardly call on idealism to solve the woes of a very realistic world. If we depended on idealism, there would be no such thing as discouragement and therefore no need for encouragement. However, the fact is that we all need encouragement, someone to believe in us, reassure us, and reinforce us to help pick up the pieces and go on, to provide us with increased determination in spite of the odds.
Almost everybody requires encouragement. In fact, it is as basic to human needs as food and water. It is part of our humanity-right along with being loved and needed. The reason for this is that encouragement is the primary element in our self-esteem. When you stop to analyze the concept, "encourage" takes on a whole new meaning. It is the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit, and hope. When we encourage others, we spur them on, we stimulate and affirm them. It is helpful to remember the distinction between appreciation and affirmation. We appreciate what a person does, but we affirm who a person is. Appreciation comes and goes because it is usually related to something someone has accomplished. Affirmation goes deeper. It is directed to the person himself. While encouragement would encompass both, the rarer of the two is affirmation.
To be appreciated, we get the distinct impression that we must earn it by some accomplishment. But affirmation requires no such prerequisite. This means that even when we don’t earn the right to be appreciated (because we failed to succeed or because we lacked the accomplishment of some goal), we can still be affirmed -- indeed, we need it then more than ever. It does not matter how influential, secure, or mature a person may appear to be; genuine encouragement never fails to help. Most of us need massive doses of it as we slug it out in the trenches. But we are usually too proud to admit it. Unfortunately, this pride is as prevalent among members of God’s family as it is on the streets of the world.
As the rules of worship are laid out in the New Testament, we follow them to the letter (as we should). However, these acts of worship -- singing, prayer, the Lord’s supper, giving, and preaching -- have become the total of our worship. Our scripture reading highlights another crucial element, which, if omitted, could lead to disaster for the remainder of the worship. Many centuries ago, when Christians first began gathering, persecution was a common occurrence. Martyrdom was as common to them as rush hour traffic is to us -- an everyday occurrence. As a result, fear gripped congregations. Some believers defected, while others drifted to play it safe. A letter, therefore, began to circulate among converted Jews, addressed to those who were enduring the blast of persecution. We know the letter today as Hebrews. Nobody knows who the writer was, but we do know that he understood the value of congregational worship. After warning them against compromising their walk of faith, he emphasized the importance of the special times they shared. He begins this section by describing what we have: confidence to approach God (Hebrews 10:19); a priest who gives us access to God (Hebrews 10:21). We tend to forget these benefits because we have never known it any other way. However, before Christ, they were taught to approach God with fear and trepidation. Since Christ, we approach God because Christ is our mediator. Since we have such confidence, the writer says, "let us draw near..." (Hebrews 10:22). There is no need for the children of God to feel as if they are walking on
eggshells when they come before Him. Further, "let us hold fast..." (Hebrews 10:23), conveying the importance of standing firm in the reliable truth of God. Finally, "Let us consider how to stimulate one another..." (Hebrews 10:24). The correct response to the encouragement from God is to continue that encouragement by encouraging others. This can be done anytime, but especially when we come together (Hebrews 10:25) to worship God. This is the other ingredient in our worship of God.
It all comes together when we consider that the salvation of the discouraged depends on our performance as encouragers. The punishment for infidelity is not lessened because discouragement is a factor (Hebrews 10:26-27), but we become involved in the other’s sin, endangering ourselves. God will call us to account for our negligence toward the brother or sister who only needed our reassurance or a few kind words. It is not enough to take care of ol’ number one "keeping oneself unspotted from the world..." We are also responsible for those around us. Encouragement can help make the best of a bad situation, prevent those sitting on a fence from falling on the wrong side, relieve the despair so often connected with suicide, give a spouse a reason for not abandoning a faltering marriage, stop a discouraged Christian from looking elsewhere for the uplifting he expected from the church, keep a child in school rather than searching the streets for self-esteem. Yes, it is important to encourage everyone. God knows it and wants us to know it.
Encouragement does not necessarily need to be compliments, although compliments are indeed encouraging if heartfelt. Simply taking the time to talk, listen, advise, help, or spend time with others are all means of encouragement. Showing a person that he counts, spurring him on to do things he’s put off, giving him the confidence to try things he’s unsure of, and stroking the self-esteem in a person are all ways to encourage.
Encouragement should be heartfelt and selfless. Most people can see through the head trips for personal gain. True encouragement is given strictly with the other person in mind.
No, this passage in Hebrews is not just a warning to those who might be on the verge of or in the process of "forsaking the assembling," but speaks more plainly about responsibilities and where they lie. It says to the weak, "There is strength in continued association with God’s people." And to the strong, it clearly points to the need to be a part of the weaker brother’s life, so that he will grow strong instead of withering away.
