“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet 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,ESV)
Tears flowed down the boy’s face as he gripped his mom’s leg. The young mom glanced around the church lobby and caught my eye. I smiled and walked over to them.
“Is there anything I can do to help?” I asked.
“We haven’t been here in almost a year and he’s scared to go in to the kids’ class. He doesn’t know anyone.” she answered.
“I sure understand that. It’s scary to be new and not know anyone. My husband and I are pretty new here too.”
At that moment, one of the youth leaders walked over and offered further encouragement and direction. As worship began in church, my heart was stirred to pray for that boy and his mom, and to look for them after the service. Thank you, God, for bringing us together, and for the encouragement we can share as believers!
I don’t know about you, but I need encouragement…daily! Lately I have felt “stirred up” by all of the world news, and especially our political environment. Instead of being encouraged, I am often provoked to feeling anxiety, fear, sadness, and even anger. How much time do I spend reading, talking, and sharing on social media about things that stir up anxiety, hopelessness, and negativity?
Oh, how I need to be stirred up by the Word of God, to share hope and love and good works to a hurting world!
When we are intentional in meeting regularly with other believers, and intentional in studying God’s Word and drawing near to God, we will find opportunities every day to encourage one another, no matter what is going on in the world and in our lives.
What opportunities do you have this week to encourage a friend, co-worker, spouse, and maybe even a stranger? My prayer is that as followers of Jesus, we will accept the challenge from the writer of Hebrews, to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”!
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