Paul tells the Thessalonians to “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thes 5:11). The Hebrew writer tells his readers to “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.” (Heb 3:13).

The word translated “encourage” in Thessalonians and “exhort” in Hebrews is the same Greek word.  A word meaning to “call near.” The idea communicated is to invite someone else to join you or to bring yourself alongside some one else and walk with them.

I cannot help but reflect on the words of the Bill Withers’ song from 1972, “Lean on Me.”

Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

Please, swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won’t let show

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me, brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load
You have to bear that you can’t carry
I’m right up the road, I’ll share your load
If you just call me

The world is full of news that discourages. We face terrorism, struggling economies, political discord, environmental issues, unsteady job markets, international conflicts, civil unrest, an apparent rise in health issues, and the list goes on.

I want to be different. I have made up my mind! I am resolving NOW – not for the new year, but as of this moment to be better at encouraging. I want to be a positive light to those around me. I invite you, encourage, exhort, and edify you to walk with me as I share encouraging thoughts and especially the good news of reconciliation in Christ to both God and man.

• Scott

Here is the song: