In North America and other parts of the world today, we are living in what is called a “post-Christian” culture. More and more people are rejecting Christianity and the church and saying they have no religion. It is discouraging to see people leaving the faith, and the pressures to conform to a faithless culture seem to be increasing all the time.

Reading through Hebrews gives us a different perspective. As we hear about Jesus, what he has accomplished for us, and his superiority over every­thing, how can we not be encouraged in our faith? But the pressures and challenges remain.

We are reminded and encouraged today to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Even if we experience despair and discouragement, we are encouraged to hold tightly to the one who is faithful. All other things may fail us, but Jesus is faithful. His promises are true. Even when we experience discouragement and despair, he is faithful.

Let us continue to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Let us continue to encourage each other, even if times are tough. We do not trust in one who is unreliable; we trust in the one who is faithful. Let us continue to be encouraged and to encourage one another in the Lord.