February 23, 2022

“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

As the Church, we need each other. This is true for many reasons, one of those reasons being the responsibility to provoke one another, or as some translations say, “spur one another on,” to good works. The time we spend together should convict each of us to pursue God and the life he desires for us to live. This happens through accountability, instructions, and leading by example.

But there is one aspect to this “spurring on” that is paramount; we must encourage one another. No matter how far someone has fallen, no matter what sin they are stuck in, and no matter how they have wronged you, you should always begin with encouragement. The truth is, you do not know what others are dealing with, how they feel, or why they have ended up where they are. So always begin by letting them know your deep desire for them to live out the life God has called them to and your confidence that God can accomplish it in their lives. Find the places they are thriving and commend them for it. Listen to their struggles and tell them you are ready to walk alongside them. We have a very short time on the earth. If we are going to be the people God has called us to be then we must make encouragement a daily practice in the Body of Christ.

Heavenly Father, fill us with a desire to encourage one another. Let us see in one another the incredible potential you see in us. Let our words be words that lift up our brothers and sisters, filling them with a desire to be all that you have called them to be.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon