In what ways can we encourage others to "strengthen" their faith? Setting the Scene Hebrews 12 paints the Christian life as a race, with eyes fixed on Jesus. Verse 12 breaks in with a short, urgent command: “Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.” (Hebrews 12:12) The picture is of a weary runner whose arms droop and knees buckle. God calls us not only to regain our own footing but to help fellow believers do the same. What It Means to “Strengthen” The Greek word (anorthóō) carries ideas of straightening, restoring, putting back into useful condition. We’re invited to be instruments God uses to: • Lift what is sagging • Stabilize what is shaky • Ready others for more progress in Christ Practical Ways to Encourage Faith 1. Share Scripture that Re-centers Hope • “Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!” (Isaiah 35:3) • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) A timely verse can reorient a discouraged heart to God’s promises. 2. Speak Life-Giving Words • “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) • Use words that affirm identity in Christ, recall past faithfulness, and point to future glory. 3. Pray With and For Them • When someone hears their name lifted to the Father, faith is freshly awakened. • Offer to pray on the spot, modeling dependence on God’s power, not human resolve. 4. Share Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness • Revelation 12:11 shows believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” • Personal stories remind others that the same God who delivered you can deliver them. 5. Provide Tangible Help • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • Meals, childcare, financial aid, or a ride to church translate theology into touchable love. 6. Model Perseverance • Paul writes, “Follow my example, as I follow Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) • Quiet fidelity in trials is a walking sermon that strengthens onlookers. 7. Cultivate Christ-Centered Community • “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Gather for worship, small groups, and serving opportunities where mutual encouragement flows naturally. Scriptural Models of Encouragement • Barnabas (“son of encouragement”) taking Saul under wing (Acts 9:26-27) • Jonathan strengthening David’s hand in God (1 Samuel 23:16) • Jesus restoring Peter after failure (John 21:15-17) Keeping the Focus on Christ Encouragement is not motivational pep talk; it is directing weary saints to the sufficiency of Jesus. Hebrews 12 begins with “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Every act of strengthening points back to Him—our source, our example, our goal. Taking It Home Strengthening another’s faith doesn’t require special titles or programs—just hearts captivated by Christ and willing to step into someone’s weariness. Lift drooping hands, steady weak knees, and watch God breathe fresh endurance into His people. |
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