13 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 NIV.
Just because we sin, it does not mean that we have a hardened heart. But the harboring of sin leads to a hard heart. We know full well of the individual who gave his heart to Jesus and was on fire, only to grow cold in a few short months. Why? He tolerated the presence of sin once again.
This verse is full of hope and potential. The writer shares the secret to keeping our heart pliable. Openness with another believer on a consistent and regular basis. We don’t judge another person’s motives…but we can question their actions. “Why did you call that person such an ugly name?; Why are you not giving back the right change? Why did you lie and tell them you are not at home? Why did lose your temper? Why are you gossipping?”
Allowing a close person to lovingly challenge you can awaken the proper conviction for freedom. We are not a Jr. Holy Spirit in their life, rather our role is to bring encouragement to help them be faithful and honest. So don’t poke them all the time. Allow God to bring forth the change with a little help from you.
The writer says that we do this daily. This keeps a person from getting to far down the road from repentance. God is the one who brings conviction…He just likes to use the Body of Christ (that’s you, me and all the other followers of Christ) to edify itself.
By ourselves, sin is a powerful hidden addiction. But two can cover each others backs to strengthen our weaknesses. Pray for that close person, be that close person, allow transparency to do it’s transforming work.
Blessings Love y’al