Friday, February 6, 2026
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 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 10:23-25
Encourage Each Other
This week we have looked at how Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus. We too are to encourage one another. In the verses 24 and 25 in the passage above, we are persuaded to encourage other Christians. “And let us consider how to stimulate (spur) one another to love and good deeds.” Verse 24 begins, “let us consider one another…”.It means “to observe attentively, or understand, fix one’s eyes or mind upon.” In short, we are to focus on encouraging each other intentionally. I like how The Message says it: “Let’s see how inventive we can be…” Let us think of creative ways of encouraging others.
The emphasis is on getting to know each other in our community of faith. This results an exchange that leads to encouraging each other to love and good works. Verse 24 continues, “let us consider how we may spur one another on…” To spur means “to stir up, provoke, stimulate or incite someone to do something.” In other words, to create a thirst. A thirst for what? “toward love and good deeds.”
Church is a place we all 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 at church. It takes place when we consider how we can lift up, build up, and brighten up our brothers and sisters in Christ. Christian fellowship takes place when we offer encouragement to our friends, pray for them, and grow together in Christ. 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.
To feel the love and friendliness of an assembly of believers, requires we pour a little of our own love in. It was God's love toward us that prompted our love in return. This principle also works in our relationship with other Christians.
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15
