and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and
good deeds,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the
habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day
drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
It
seems the natural behavior of most individuals is to move through life working
on their own agendas with little responsibility in regard to the agendas of
others. If we are to be an encourager we
must be intentional in our actions. “let us consider”
means “to observe attentively, or understand, fix one’s eyes or mind upon.” In
short, we are to focus on encouraging one another. It is not to be accidental
but intentional. I like how The Message reads
this passage: “Let's
see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding
worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see
the big Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25-26)” In other words, let’s think of creative ways
of encouraging others.
Verse
24 continues, and
let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. To stimulate means “to stir up, provoke, spur
on or incite someone to do something.” In
other words, to create a thirst. A
thirst for what? “to love and good deeds.” Encouragement is not just a fuzzy
feeling. If someone became a more loving
person or a better person, then we really encouraged him or her.
Church
can be a great place to get caught up on the latest football games, golf
scores, family news, health concerns, or just to visit with friends. A cup of coffee
together, a warm handshake, a friendly pat on the back are all part of the
social interaction we need as human beings.
All of this is good, but New Testament fellowship goes much deeper than
merely socializing when we get together. It takes place when we consider how we
can lift up, build up, and brighten up our brothers and sisters in Christ.
True
Christian fellowship takes place when we offer encouragement to our friends,
pray for them, and confess our sins and weaknesses to one another. These are the elements that make fellowship
genuine. What about our church? Are we
merely socializing? Or are we practicing true Christian fellowship? Christian fellowship builds us up and binds us
together.
Now
we've all heard SOMEONE COMPLAIN that the people in a certain church aren't
friendly, or that they seem to be lacking in love. Although such criticisms may
be true, the one doing the complaining is often a part of the problem.
My
grandparents used to draw their water from an old well with a pump. Many remember their first attempt to get water
from that pump. They repeatedly jerked
that cast iron handle down and up, down and up, but couldn't get any water. Then Granddad handed them a bucket of water.
"Pour it down the pump," he urged. Then as they worked the handle, water came in
abundance. There was plenty of water in
that well, but first they had to "prime the pump."
To
feel the love and. friendliness of an assembly of believers, we may need to
pour a little of our own love in first. It was God's love toward us that
prompted our love in return. This principle also works in our relationship with
other Christians. Your expression of
love and concern and friendliness will most certainly stimulate a reciprocal love
from hearts indwelt by God's Spirit. So, when you meet together with the people
of God, ask Him to help you "prime the pump." You may be the one to start the encouragement
and good works started.
Scripture to
Claim:
We urge you, brethren,
admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with
everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
