The book of Hebrews was written to encourage early Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ amid persecution and hardship. In chapter 3, the author warns against developing an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God (v. 12). As an antidote to unbelief, he urges his readers to “exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today’” (v. 13). What does it mean to exhort one another daily, and why is this important?
The Meaning of “Exhort”
The Greek word translated “exhort” is parakaleo. It means to call near, to invite, appeal to, urge, encourage, or strengthen. An exhortation is a calling alongside to advise, admonish, or warn. It involves giving wise and loving counsel to others for their benefit. The aim is to stir them to fulfill their duties, remain faithful, and make progress in godliness. So exhorting means more than merely sharing information – it is speaking the truth in love to build others up (Eph 4:15).
Exhort Daily
The frequency of “daily” indicates that exhortation should be an ongoing habit. Christians should regularly examine their own lives and strengthen their commitment to Christ. We should also frequently encourage our brothers and sisters to persevere in faith, hope, and love. This daily exhortation helps us recognize our weakness and dependence on God’s grace, while also stimulating us to press onward despite hardships. Just as we need daily food, the author argues, we need this regular spiritual encouragement.
Moreover, the urgency of “today” emphasizes that exhortation should not be delayed. The time to stimulate each other to live wholeheartedly for Christ is now. Tomorrow may be too late if our hearts have already begun to drift away from God. The words of exhortation are needed daily because believers face temptation and struggle with sin every day. We should faithfully and diligently use this means of grace that God has given us while there is still opportunity.
How to Exhort One Another
So what are some practical ways Christians can exhort one another daily?
- Pray for each other regularly, bringing requests before God (James 5:16).
- Meet consistently for worship, Scripture reading, teaching, prayer, testimonies, singing, communion (Acts 2:42; Heb 10:25).
- Gather in small groups for fellowship, accountability, and application of God’s Word to life.
- Share meals together and talk about spiritual things (Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 10:31).
- Send encouraging notes to lift up struggling believers.
- Call, text, or meet to provide biblical counsel and comfort in times of need.
- Discuss sermons together and reflect on how to apply the truth.
- Memorize Scripture together to have it readily available to encourage others.
- Study the Bible together and discuss takeaways for personal growth.
- Serve together and motivate each other to love and good deeds (Heb 10:24).
- Admonish each other gently when someone is straying (Rom 15:14; Gal 6:1).
- Confess sins to each other and pray for healing (James 5:16).
- Spend time with those who are struggling and listen to burdens.
- Challenge each other to use gifts, share the gospel, and rely on God.
In essence, exhorting others requires engagement and investment in each other’s lives. It happens as Christians form genuine relationships, show hospitality, build community, and provoke one another to godliness through edifying words and actions.
Why Daily Exhortation Is Important
The author insists on daily exhortation because:
- Our hearts are prone to wander from God, so we need regular refocusing and strengthening (Heb 3:12).
- Growth in holiness requires perseverance and encouragement from others (Heb 10:36; Acts 14:22).
- We are running a race and need help laying aside encumbrances and sin (Heb 12:1).
- Hardship, distress, and opposition make us vulnerable to weariness and fainting (Heb 12:3).
- We easily forget God’s promises, providence, and work in our lives.
- Fellow believers can detect spiritual weakening sooner than we often can ourselves.
- Shared burdens are made lighter (Gal 6:2).
- Accountability and counsel keep us on the right path (Prov 27:17).
- Isolation can lead us into sinful compromise or complacency.
- Other believers’ gifts can complement our weaknesses (1 Cor 12:7-10).
In short, God knows we need each other! The journey of faith is not meant to be traveled alone. Daily exhortation unites Christians in purpose, transforms believers into Christ’s image (Rom 8:29), and equips the church for unity and maturity (Eph 4:12-16). Neglecting this practice risks cooled affections, negligence of duty, and unchecked sin. We must heed this sobering warning to exhort one another daily while it is still called today.
Practical Examples of Daily Exhortation
Exhorting a Friend Struggling with Sin
Tom has been struggling with pornography use which he confessed to his friend James. James makes it a point to check in with Tom regularly by calling, texting, or meeting up. He asks how Tom is doing in his fight against temptation, if he has fallen to it recently, and how James can pray for him. James reminds Tom of God’s forgiveness, grace and power to help in every temptation (Heb 2:18). He challenges Tom to flee lustful thoughts, ask for accountability, and memorize Scripture about purity. James also shares God’s promises, listens empathetically, and prays with Tom.
Parents Exhorting Children
Bill and Susan gather their children – Peter (16), Lisa (14) and Jessica (10) – each night for dinner, Bible reading, prayer, and family time. They talk about what the kids learned at school and look for opportunities to encourage godliness. If there was a conflict, they gently address it and remind them to be quick to forgive. They compliment their children’s good character traits. When wrong behavior occurs, they admonish and instruct lovingly from Scripture. Each child shares prayer requests. Bill and Susan also review previous requests and praise God for answered prayers. They challenge their kids to serve others and share their faith.
A Small Group Exhorting One Another
John, Bill, Tom, and Steve meet weekly for Bible study, fellowship and prayer. They study a book of the Bible together, taking turns leading the discussion each week. Each man shares personal applications to improve their walk with God. They request prayer for family members and work situations. John asks for help finding a job. Bill shares struggles in his marriage. Tom and Steve offer advice from Scripture and promise to follow up. They end by praying for each need mentioned. These brothers are spurring each other on in the faith and bearing each other’s burdens.
A Church Exhorting the Congregation
Every week First Church sets aside time during their service for members to share testimonies, Scripture verses, poems, or songs that encourage the congregation in the faith. Today Susan shares how God brought her through a difficult illness. She recites Isaiah 40:29-31 and exhorts the church to wait on the Lord for strength during trials. After the sermon, small groups pray together and discuss how to apply the message. In their bulletin, the church includes prayer requests and praises to help keep members informed of needs. Small group leaders follow up with members who have been absent.
Warnings & Cautions Regarding Exhortation
- Avoid flattery, prejudice, or insincerity when exhorting.
- Speak the truth in love, not criticism without grace (Eph 4:15).
- First examine yourself before correcting someone else (Matt 7:3-5).
- Listen well before offering advice (Prov 18:13).
- Consider carefully the best timing and approach.
- Aim to restore gently with humility, not shame (Gal 6:1).
- Rely on Scripture, not just personal opinions.
- Beware of discouraging exhortations that exacerbate guilt or fear.
- Balance exhortation with other means of grace and fellowship.
- Restoration sometimes requires professional counseling too.
In summary, God urges us to exhort one another daily so that we might thrive in faith, hope, and love until Christ returns. Through mutual encouragement, warning, reminding, advising, admonishing, praying, and building up, believers can stimulates each other to persevere joyfully in the race of faith. This gracious habit is essential for the health and maturity of Christ’s body.