Listen:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Reflection:
“Go, Charlotte, Go!! Run, run, run! Wahoo, you can do it!” I shout at the top of my lungs as if my daughter is competing for an Olympic medal. Charlotte was 5 at the time, running in her first school jog-a-thon fundraiser.
Anyone who has ever gone to any type of sporting event or concert knows the rush and joy that comes from giving an untamed shout or cheer. This is the picture I get when I read Hebrews 10:24. How often do you consider, contemplate, even strategize about how you could be encouraging other believers? I love the intentionality in this instruction. It is not a passive approach to supporting another person. On the contrary, it promotes a practical and active approach to encouraging brothers and sisters to live a life of love and faith in action.
When you go to a concert, no one instructs you to cheer for the celebrity as they take center stage. Why is it, then, that believers are being instructed here in scripture to cheer on fellow believers? What holds us back from freely offering reassurance and encouragement to others in the faith? Is it pride? Jealousy? Insecurity? Self-centeredness? Are we too busy? Are we making sure everyone is staying humble? Are we attempting to journey our Christian faith alone? Maybe encouraging others comes naturally to you. Or maybe it does not. My prayer is that we would shake off and repent of anything that may be holding us back from intentionally spurring one another on toward a life of love and good deeds, because we need each other.
Prayer of Response:
“Lord, thank you for the gift of community. Thank you for the body of believers meant to encourage and spur one another on toward love and goodness. Forgive me, Father, for the times I have withheld encouragement. Forgive me for the times I have not prioritized my fellow believers with the intentionality you desire. Help us all to be less critical about the way another person is living out their faith, and more encouraging about how each gift you put inside a person can be used for your glory this side of heaven. -Amen”
—Submitted by Erinne Baker
Erinne and husband, Travis live in Klamath Falls, Oregon where they are raising their four kids ages 8, 5, 4, and 8 months. She is a pastor and lifelong learner of what it means to trust God, and live a life fueled by love and grace.
Lifesprings mission is to: Encourage, Prepare, and Connect women worldwide to impact their communities with the love of God.
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