Rest AssuredSample

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. – Hebrews 3:13 ESV

Greek
παρακαλεῖτε/parakaleite: strong, heartening encouragement

Why It Matters
Historians point to June 4th, 1940, as a turning point for Britain in WWII. Winston Churchill addressed the House of Commons that day, giving what came to be known as his “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech. In it, he successfully gave a word of parakaleite (strong, heartening encouragement) which buoyed the spirits of civilians and troops alike and galvanized the war efforts of all those who opposed the Axis forces. The battle of France – and ultimately the entire war – shifted because of the vision and exhortation found in Churchill’s words.
The use of the word parakaleite in the Book of Hebrews is interesting, because it was often used in secular Greek literature to illustrate the military commander who speaks an encouraging word that puts strength into the troops. It’s more than a “pep talk;” parakaleite implies inspirational strength with substance. So when the writer of Hebrews calls us to parakaleite one another every day, he’s tasking us with the work of preparing each other for the battles we face daily. Upon doing this, we keep our hearts from responsively hardening to the voice of the Lord. Thank God that as men and women who are found in Christ, our encouraging words are anchored in the timeless truth of the gospel, and the hope of the cross gives substance to our parakaleite.

Prayer
There are moments, God, when I’m guilty of things that I judge others for doing. I recognize my need for a Savior and to surround myself with people who will speak encouraging truth into my life. Help me to not only lean into community like this, but also to contribute to that community with heartfelt passion, in Jesus’ name.