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Hebrews 3:13 - Hard Heart Prevention.

Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

INTRODUCTION

Our hearts turn away from the living God when we stubbornly refuse to believe him. If we persist in our unbelief, God will eventually leave us alone in our sin and rebellion. But God can give us new hearts, new desires, and new spirits (Ezekiel 36: 22-27). To prevent yourself from having an unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers, talk daily with them about your mutual faith, be aware of the deceitfulness of sin (which attracts but also destroys), and encourage one another with love and concern. [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

A Soft Heart
   When I was first injured, my wheelchair whined and screamed for my undivided attention. Demoralized, I gave in. I justified my giving up with rationalizations like, Why not be glum-faced? I'm paralyzed! Why not complain? Good grief, I'm a quadriplegic! I allowed my wheelchair to define who I was, but all it accomplished was a dry and brittle soul. I didn't become a bad person; I just lacked passion and interest in life. With no spiritual energy, I spent my days in tired defeat, the day-to-day routine sucking me down further. Relief was not sought in prayer or in the Bible, but in TV sitcoms and weekends at the mall.
   Focusing on suffering is a dead end. Rationalizations and justifications do nothing but harden our hearts, making things worse. However, softness of heart comes when we encourage one another in our suffering - spreading truth, imparting hope, bearing the burden, sharing the load, praying alongside, and offering a comfortable shoulder to cry on. Thank God there were Christian friends who stuck with me, scolding me when I complained, and cheering me on when I chose a brighter outlook. My hardness of heart melted, and I became soft and pliable in the hands of God.
   My friends took a risk when they boldly reminded me to obey God and turn away from selfishness. They risked my disapproval, as well as my anger. Thankfully, they cared more for the state of my soul, than my displeasure. Do you know a Christian friend or relative who has become deceived by sinful attitudes and actions? Do they believe in suffering, rather than the God of hope found in suffering? Take a risk. Pray, come alongside, and gently help them choose a brighter outlook.
   Help me, dear Lord, to recognize when sin is trying to deceive me. Soften my heart, oh God! [Pearls of Great Price by Joni Eareckson Tada]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Hebrews 3:12-14 - Caution with Choices and Be an Encourager.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200921-1134.html

Hebrews 3:13 - Encouragement As A Weapon Against Sin.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2015/20151102-1453.html

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Be An Encourager.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250522-1302.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/