And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25

During my college years, a time when I was distant from God and other believers, had someone encouraged me to attend a local church or Bible study with them, perhaps it would have brought me closer to God sooner rather than later.

During this time of my life, being away from my home church and accountability members made it easy to push God aside.

The responsibility of having a relationship with God ultimately falls on us, as individuals. However, it is the responsibility of Christians to hold their brothers and sisters in Christ accountable to their walk and faith in God. This is made clear in Hebrews 10:24-25. The third part of these verses on accountability includes encouragement!

How can we encourage fellow believers, to help them be held accountable and brought into a closer relationship with God? The Word provides answers.

1. Spur others on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). This was part one of the series, and you can read about it here.
2. Make it a point to meet with others (Hebrews 10:25). This was part two of the series. You can read about it here.
3. Keep loving (1 Peter 4:8). When you see a believer make mistakes and grow distant from God, keep loving them! Your encouragement, shown through love, will help bring them back to Him.
4. Bear the burdens of others (Galatians 6:2). When we see another enduring something difficult and hard, ignoring them and watching from a distance is not encouraging. We are to bear the burden with them. When our brother or sister in Christ is hurting, we feel the hurt too.  
5. Be patient (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Encouragement comes in the form of patience. If we become easily frustrated and give up on one who needs encouragement, we are not following God’s Word.
6. Speak words of encouragement (Proverbs 12:25). Whether you send a text, a card, or call, give words of support. The Word says doing this can ease anxiety in another and make them glad!

These six ways to encourage one another are biblical instructions from God! We need to use, live, and reference them constantly to encourage one another and help each other stay accountable!

Could I challenge you today? It’s a challenge I am taking on as well. I want us to identify a fellow believer in our lives, who could use a little encouragement. Then, use one of the ways above to encourage the believer! The results can only bring them, and us, closer to Him.