“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
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 your heart, 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!
