“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).

Sin is deceitful. The word “deceitfulness” means that sin gives a false impression. It promises more than it can deliver. It promises joy and leads to heartbreak. Once sin entices us with its false message it hardens our hearts. We lose a little bit more of our sensitivity to wrongdoing. We’re all vulnerable to that deception.

How do we protect ourselves and others from the untrustworthiness of sin? We encourage each other. For some, the answer is to point the finger of accusation at themselves and others. They feel that condemnation is the answer. That doesn’t work. Encouragement does. It is the picture of putting an arm around someone and inspiring them. The word is used of the Holy Spirit who gently keeps pointing us in the right direction.

Importantly, the writer of Hebrews says that we are to do this daily. Every day sin is out there trying to deceive and disappoint us and those we love. By daily encouraging each other we keep our focus on Jesus and affirm our commitment to follow Him. We are to love each other enough to be there for them. We’re in this together and encouraging each other will help us all get to the finish line safely.