Your Words Could Save a Soul

We’ve all felt that nudge. A comment from a friend that’s just a little too biting. A pattern of skipped Sundays. A subtle compromise in integrity. Something stirs in your heart, a quiet warning that something might be off. And yet out of fear, discomfort, or just plain busyness you stay silent.

But Scripture doesn’t let us off the hook so easily. “Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)

Exhortation isn’t a harsh lecture or spiritual scolding it’s love in action. It’s speaking truth, sometimes hard truth, because sin doesn’t stand still. Sin speaks. Sin deceives. Sin hardens. And when we stay silent, we allow it to keep whispering lies to the people we care about.

The Urgency of “Today”

The writer of Hebrews urges believers to exhort daily not occasionally or when the timing feels perfect. Why? Because every day brings new opportunities for temptation and, therefore, new opportunities to speak life and truth into someone’s journey.

Hebrews uses the phrase “as long as it is called today” to remind us we’re still in the wilderness not yet home, not yet out of the enemy’s reach. As long as we’re breathing, we’re battling. And as long as that’s true, every believer is both in need of exhortation and equipped to give it.

That’s not just the job of pastors, counselors, or small group leaders. It’s the calling of every Christian who walks with Jesus. The same Spirit who lives in you empowers your words to strengthen others.

What Does Real Exhortation Look Like?

The book of Hebrews, which itself is called a “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22), shows us that real exhortation is not vague or passive. It names sin. It applies Scripture. It points to Christ. It weaves together encouragement, warning, and promise. And at its core, it holds up this truth: Jesus is better.

Better than bitterness. Better than pride. Better than lust. Better than the comfort of compromise.

“Brother, he’s better.”

“Sister, he’s better.”

This is the anthem of loving exhortation. We don’t correct to shame or dominate. We speak up to call others back to joy, back to holiness, back to Jesus.

Why We Don’t Speak and Why We Should

We hesitate to exhort for all kinds of reasons. We’re afraid of awkwardness. We assume someone else will handle it. We don’t want to jeopardize a friendship. But every moment we delay, sin tightens its grip.

According to Barna Research, 58% of Christians say they’re uncomfortable confronting others about sin, even when they believe the behavior is harmful. But Hebrews doesn’t give us the option of passive love. Biblical love acts even when it’s uncomfortable.

Because silence doesn’t soften hearts. Exhortation does. “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.” (Hebrews 12:15)

That “no one” could be someone in your small group, your family, your friend circle. And you might be the person God is calling to speak.

The Power in Your Words

Do you realize what’s at stake in that conversation you’ve been avoiding? A person’s spiritual trajectory might pivot because of your voice. Not because you’re wise or eloquent, but because God uses the words of ordinary believers to preserve and protect his people.

The Bible doesn’t promise that every exhortation will be received joyfully. But it does remind us that, under the Spirit’s power, our words can soften hardened hearts, reveal sin’s lies, and lead others back to grace.

So take the risk. Speak in love. Use Scripture. Speak gently and truthfully. And trust God to work through you.

Who Comes to Mind?

Pause and ask: Who in your life might be drifting? Whose heart seems harder than it once was? Who might need your words not to condemn, but to call back to Jesus?

Maybe it’s someone who’s drifting into gossip. Or disappearing from community. Or dabbling in what they once stood against.

Maybe it’s someone close enough that you’re scared to speak, because the stakes feel high. But love that’s unwilling to risk discomfort isn’t really love. The enemy would love for you to keep waiting for a better time. But Hebrews says the best time is “today.”

Don’t rush in unprepared. Pray first. Reflect on your own heart. Approach with humility. Choose your words with care. Ask thoughtful questions. And then speak.

Because faithfulness doesn’t just mean believing the right things; it means caring enough to intervene. “That person changes not because you speak not.”

So speak. In gentleness. In grace. In truth. In love.

And watch what God might do through your obedience.

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