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We live in a selfie culture. People snap pictures or record video of themselves. Some use long selfie sticks to hold their phone. We post reports of our activities on social media. We even post pictures of delicious food we eat. But following Jesus is not about self. Christianity is not a selfie culture. Have you noticed Jesus never told us to love ourselves or encourage ourselves? Rather, we’re told to die to self, love others and encourage one other.

In fact, encouragement thrives in groups of people. Most can’t encourage themselves. We need to be like the players on a terrific sports team. They’re not simply talented people who play together. They are a community, a family, teammates who encourage each other. They cheer when a teammate scores. They also support the teammate who misses the shot, saying things like, “it’s alright, you’ll get it next time” or “hang in there.”

The fact encouragement thrives in a group is why we must meet with other believers in worship and small groups. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (NIV)

If you’re not gathering with other Christians on a regular and frequent basis, you’re missing out. You can encourage them and they will encourage you. Christianity is a “one another” culture.

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Visit Elmer Fuller’s author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/

Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:00 — 3.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS | More

I’m sure you know that the bible tells us to encourage one another. What do you picture when you hear the word encourage? Do you see someone with an arm around another’s shoulder? Do you hear kind words? I believe we often think that encouragement is simply making other people feel good. That’s because it feels good to be encouraged. Our confidence is boosted. But if this is our idea of encouragement, we’re missing something.

Encouragement is focused on a specific thing. Just look at all the ways we are encouraged today. Starbucks recently announced that they will start allowing customers to use refillable mugs. They’re encouraging better environmental practices. Governments are installing charging stations for electric cars to encourage their adoption. In school, girls are encouraged to enroll in STEM classes, that is, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

So, when we are told to encourage one another in scripture, what is the specific action? One of them is mentioned in Hebrews 10:25, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” The encouragement is focused on attending gatherings of Christians. Wow, this verse speaks to us today in the wake of the pandemic. Now that it is ramping down, do you know someone who’s given up on church and small group meetings? Take a moment to build their confidence today to gather with other Christians.

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Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.