Encouragement – We all can do it.

Encouragement – Received and Offered –
July 23, 2025
Pastor Calvin Cook

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

I recently received an unexpected phone call. It was from my friend Tanner. Tanner had written a letter to me that he wanted to share. He was sharing through our relationship how I had encouraged him. The letter touched my heart.

I have thought over the last few days as considering how we can return to a simpler life as we continue this journey to the ordinary, I thought about encouragement. The encouragement that was offered to me lifted my spirits on what could have been a normal run of the mill day.

Greater yet, I prayed this morning about those who I need to offer encouragement to. I really do try to do this. I am surrounded by an immensely talented group of people and yet how do I offer each of them encouragement. I like how the words of Hebrews 10:24 begins with “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”. In a world and society that are quick to point out everyone’s faults, mistakes, and short comings imagine the change that could happen if we encouraged and looked at their good points.

The other part of this scripture from Hebrews10:24-25 speaks to relationship. “not giving up meeting together”. Acts 2:42 reminds us we need fellowship. Encouragement needs to be more than a thumbs up or an emoji – it needs to be a time of fellowship and care – or as I like to refer it to – sitting at the feet of Jesus. We are certainly in a time where personal one on one relationships are scarce having been replaced by screens, social media, AI, and streaming. Though the essence seems real there is nothing like being together with family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and just enjoying each other. I know some will say, I do this all the time. But…. Is it always with the same group of people or are you building relationships with others in the way Jesus told us to do in the Great Commission.

I want to end today with a thought from 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” So, let us encourage someone today, and begin to build each other up.