Friday, November 10, 2017
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER IN LOVE BECAUSE . . .
"Don't egg him on."
Dad used to say that to us kids when we encouraged each other in something foolish or wrong. It's a failing we have as human beings. We're much more likely to encourage each other in what is harmful than in what is helpful. Deliberately pushing someone until they lose control in an outburst of temper is a classic example. And it's not just children that do this, is it?
By inspiration of the Spirit the writer to early Jewish Christians also urges us to encourage each other in things altogether different, namely, love and good deeds. Rather than looking for occasions to criticize or find fault with one another, let us instead be on the alert to encourage. Instead of provoking to anger, let us provoke to love and to acts of kindness.
Now if we are to consciously and deliberately spur others on in doing good, we ourselves will need to think on good goals to be pursued. For this we will need to turn to the Word of God. In the Bible, through the message of God's great love in Christ, the Spirit of God moves us to desire what is good in order to thank God for His great goodness to us. There is, after all, no more powerful example of love in action than the eternal Father's sending of His Son to lay down His perfectly loving life for us poor sinners.
And, speaking of the Savior, remember this same Jesus is returning. Could be today. Could be tomorrow. What a Day! What a Savior! Face to face! What a future! And what better reason to go about doing good and encouraging others to do the same, especially those you meet with regularly as you together await the Day.
Think about that as you think about the day ahead. Makes a big difference, doesn't it.
