One of the things that I have come to believe, deep in my core of my being, is that we need each other.  The journey of faith, it is not a path that we walk alone.  It is a journey where we don’t just need each other in some symbolic way, but our growth in faith is possible because of those walking beside us.

We see that Jesus didn’t do ministry alone, but He had His disciples with Him. And we see that when Jesus send the disciples out to do ministry on their own, He didn’t send them out one by one, but instead two by two.

Today in our read from Hebrews 3: 13-15, we see just how important it is to have others walking beside us.  Listen to what we are told:

13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partners of Christ, if only we hold our first confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

We are told to exhort (or encourage) one another in this day.  Because if we don’t encourage one another sin can harden our hearts.  As Hebrews tells us, in the past, others hardened their hearts to God and rebellion set in against God, and against each other.

So today, let’s all vow to be an encourager.  Let’s vow to be a positive difference in the lives of others.  Let’s work for good today.  How Can We Make a Positive Difference in others lives?  Here are few ideas:

• A kind word to someone
• An encouraging email or text
• Writing a note of thanks to someone
• Being positive on social media
• Smile at the cashier at Walmart or the gas station
• Speak to a stranger in church tonight or Sunday
• Check on someone you haven’t seen in a while

When we do things like this, we help guard other’s hearts from sin, and we guard our own. Because when we are a blessing to others, that simple of faithfulness, it also plants seeds of grace within our lives as well.

Today, we need others. We need folks walking alongside us, encouraging us. And likewise, we need to be walking alongside others encouraging them.  In doing these things, we are able to give and receive grace.  Through this, we guard our hearts against the sin that is always lurking.

Today, let’s make a positive difference!

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