And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24–25

In the ancient Greek world, military leaders often would gather their troops together to exhort them. They would explain the painful reality of war, but they would also explain the glory of winning a major victory.

“Exhort,” in the Bible, is the Greek word parakaleo. It’s the combination of para meaning “alongside” and kaleo meaning “to call, to beckon, or to speak to someone.” Together it means someone who is right alongside of a person, urging him, beseeching him, begging him to make some kind of right decision. *

This is what we are called to do as believers. We are called to exhort one another. In fact, the Bible challenges us not to forsake or neglect being with those who encourage us in the faith to stand strong. When it comes to life and the battles we face, the Bible also says we should exhort one another daily. Encouraging one another that the battle will eventually be won if we fight hard, stand strong and forge ahead, never giving up or giving in to the enemy of our soul.

Exhortation can also come from the Holy Spirit. He wants to use our mouths to exhort one another. Our mouths can be used for all kinds of things but one of its greatest abilities is to call forth faith, declaring the things of God and speaking against the lies of the enemy.

* Renner, Rick. Sparkling Gems (Page 26) Published 2003. Print.