January Devotions

Encourage One Another

Hebrews 10:24–25
“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do, but spurring each other on—especially as we see the Big Day approaching.” (The Message)

Encouragement may well be one of the most undervalued ministries in the church today. In a world that often amplifies criticism and discouragement, the simple, grace-filled act of lifting one another up can feel like a lost art. And yet, Scripture reminds us that encouragement is essential—not optional—for the life and mission of God’s people.

In Hebrew thought, encouragement is far more than offering a warm sentiment. It is bound up in rich words like chazak—“to be strong, to strengthen”—and tikvah—“hope.” Encouragement is an act of giving strength, restoring hope, and helping someone stand when life has made them weary.

Sometimes this strengthening is personal and inward: like David who “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” But often it is communal. A well-known Hebrew phrase, “Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek,” means, “Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened.” The repetition makes the point clear: we become strong when we strengthen one another.

The early Christians who first heard the letter to the Hebrews would have recognised this idea immediately. The writer is urging believers to take up this ancient practice and apply it to their life together in Christ: to be intentional, creative, even “inventive” in the ways they encourage one another—so that love might grow, faith might deepen, and hope might endure.

A pastor once kept a small coal on the mantlepiece in his study. When people came to him saying,
“I don’t really need church; I can manage faith on my own,”
he would take the coal with tongs, place it alone on the hearth, and sit down.

At first, the coal glowed as brightly as the rest in the fire.
But within a minute or two, it began to cool, grow dull, and lose its life.
Finally, he picked it up again and returned it to the fire—where it instantly reignited.

He would then simply say,
“Christian faith is like that.
We burn brightest together.”

Encouragement is the gentle, holy work of placing one another back into the warmth of the fire—reminding each other of God’s love, God’s promise, and God’s calling upon our lives.

A Prayer

God of hope and strength,
we thank you that you never tire of encouraging us.
When we are weary, you lift us;
when we are uncertain, you guide us;
and when we feel alone, you surround us with your people.

Teach us to be encouragers—
those who speak life, offer hope,
and help rekindle the flame of faith in others.
Make us inventive in love,
generous in kindness,
and faithful in meeting together.

Strengthen us, Lord,
and through your Holy Spirit
help us strengthen one another,
so that together we may shine with your light
until the Day of Christ comes in glory.

Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek—
Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened.
Amen.

Practice: Send one kind message.