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)

If you recall from Sunday, as followers of Christ, we not to spend our time burdened by our sins; thinking what we've done wrong through a guilty conscience. Instead, we are to confess our sin, receive Christ's forgiveness, and then think about how to live in community, supporting and encouraging one another.

In this passage, the author of Hebrews urges us not to neglect meeting together but to actively stir up love and good works. Today, we'll see the importance of community and how we can uplift one another as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Stirring Up Love and Good Works

Consider how you can inspire and encourage fellow believers to love and engage in acts of goodness—especially when it's difficult. Let love be the driving force behind your interactions, seeking to edify and build up others. Look for opportunities to serve, support, and extend grace to those around you, both within and outside the church.

The Importance of Gathering

Recognize the significance of gathering together with fellow believers. Worshiping, learning, and fellowshipping in community is essential for your spiritual growth and encouragement. Prioritize gathering with the body of Christ, knowing that it is in these moments that you can find strength, wisdom, and unity.

Encouragement as the Day Draws Near

As you anticipate the Day of Christ's return, intensify your efforts to encourage others. Be attentive to the needs and struggles of your brothers and sisters in Christ, offering support, prayers, and words of comfort. In doing so, you reflect God's love and faithfulness to those around you, and foster an atmosphere of hope and perseverance.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you actively stir up love and good works within your community of believers?

2. What steps can you take to prioritize gathering with fellow believers and participate fully in church?

3. When you cannot make it to church, what can you do to ensure you're still surrounding yourself with fellow believers?

Prayer:

Thank You for the gift of community and the opportunity to gather with fellow believers. Help me to recognize the importance of stirring up love and good works among my brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach me to be intentional in my interactions, inspiring and encouraging others to walk in love and engage in acts of kindness. Open my eyes to the needs around me, and give me a heart that willingly serves and supports those in my community. Help me to prioritize gathering with fellow believers, understanding the significance of worshiping and learning together. As I anticipate the Day of Christ's return, fill me with a spirit of encouragement, that I may uplift and edify my brothers and sisters. May Your love shine through me, fostering an atmosphere of hope and perseverance. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you actively stir up love and good works within your community of believers?

2. What steps can you take to prioritize gathering with fellow believers and participate fully in church?

Watch Sunday's Message: Still Forgiven

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