“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).
The writer of Hebrews, echoing Psalm 95, warns believers not to harden their hearts when they hear God’s voice “Today.” In Psalm 95, Israel’s wilderness generation turned away in unbelief and missed entering God’s rest. Now, under the new covenant, “Today” represents the ongoing opportunity of grace—the season in which God still calls people to faith in Christ. Therefore, we are to exhort one another every day. The Greek word “parakaleō” literally means “to be called alongside,” in order to offer encouragement, comfort, or correction. Sin works subtly and deceptively, dulling our sensitivity to God’s truth, but daily encouragement from fellow believers keeps our hearts soft and strengthens our faith. Christian fellowship is not a luxury; it’s part of God’s provision for our perseverance.
Faith flourishes in fellowship. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. We all need the steady voice of brothers and sisters who remind us of God’s promises and point us back to Jesus when the world, the flesh, and the devil seek to deceive us. When we gather—whether in worship, small groups, or simple conversations—we have the sacred privilege of strengthening one another’s faith. Encouragement rooted in the gospel keeps us from drifting into self-reliance or despair. The ultimate encouragement is this: Jesus has conquered sin and death for us. He offers grace sufficient for every “today” we face. When we remind each other of His finished work and ongoing intercession, we build one another up in hope and help one another endure in faith until “Today” is done and a new Day dawns in His presence.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for calling us to walk together in faith. Help us to be faithful encouragers, speaking truth and grace to one another daily. Keep our hearts tender and our faith alive through the fellowship of Your Spirit and Your people. Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus, who gives us strength to live by faith today. In His name we pray, amen.