Hebrews 10 - 1.28.25
SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 10:24 – 25 (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
OBSERVATION
This scripture is full of action words. We are to think (consider), spur (motivate or provoke) each other to love and good deeds. We are being asked to carefully plan, to be mindful of one another, and intentionally stimulate others to love and doing good deeds. We are being called to actively participate in meeting the needs and help with the spiritual well-being of other believers.
The other action in this scripture is to not give up getting together. Most importantly, we should not neglect coming together in fellowship in church and other activities. Interestingly it says “as some are in the habit of doing” which means not coming to church or being around other Christians can become a habit. Just the same way you can be in the habit of coming to church, the habit of not attending church can become a habit. It all begins with not giving up… don’t step into the trap of giving up trying, persevering, and being faithful to the Lord, his church, and the body of Christ.
We are also charged to do all these things “all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Each day we’re closer to Christ’s return means we need to be more diligent and purposeful in spreading God’s love, encouragement, and bringing people to church.
APPLICATION
This scripture reminds me how much we need one another and how important the church body is to each of us. I have experienced the lack of this scripture in action and also the wonderful example of this scripture in action. This last Sunday is one of many examples from my DSC family. I wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t make it to church. Later in the day several sweet ladies reached out saying they missed me and wondered how I was doing. Their intentional action, and the many other times this happened in the past, has touched my heart, encouraged me, and spurred me on to love others – just as Hebrews 10:24 says. A simple act of a text, a call, a card, or visit can mean the world to someone. You just never know how much a loving act will affect others.
Verse 25 is especially important because it not only speaks to those who have fallen into the habit of not attending church, but also to us who know of these people and need to “encourage one another” back into fellowship. God created us to be social, to have relationships, and to need them because they’re an important part of our life. In the same way, our church relationships are an integral part of our faith and growth. It’s important that we take the time, be intentional, reach out to others who are not In a church fellowship and invite them to church. Your call or text might be all they need to spur them on, to know they are loved, and to encourage them back into fellowship with God and the church body.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for your Word and the encouragement it provides to us. Thank you for your love and showing how we can love others. In that love, help me to always be an encouragement to others to spur them on to love and do good deeds. Please give me your insight, wisdom and words to reach out to those who have fallen away from church / fellowship, to gently and lovingly encourage them to return into fellowship not only with others but in fellowship with You. In Jesus name, amen!
- Mary Oberg
