Encourage Each Other

^{Hebrews 10:19-25:
19} Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

I want to focus on verses 24 and 25 in this meditation. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."

I noticed four things in verses 24-25. First, God calls us to encourage one another. Verse 25b: “exhorting one another.” God’s plan is that a lot of our encouragement comes from other Christians speaking the word of God to us and praying for us.

Secondly, verse 24 tells us that this encouragement results in love and good works. That's not only good for the members of the church and the world but also for ourselves. It is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). We perform good works, and not only will others love us and perform good works for us, but God will see that as evidence of our faith.

Third, Verse 25 gives the specific nature of this encouragement and love and good works. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some.” This assembly is not only the big congregational assemblies on Sundays, but also includes smaller gatherings. It is imperative for meetings of believers to be dedicated to encouraging each other. Each believer has a duty to minister to other believers in a group setting.

Finally, verse 25 finishes with a command to do so “so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” There will be times of great difficulty at all times of being a Christian, but more so as the end time approaches (2 Timothy 3:1). Paul says we are to maintain our confession of hope (verse 23). That involves lots of meetings of encouragement. Lots of stirring up of love. Lots of good works.

1 Corinthians 12 tells us that the Holy Spirit gives each member of Christ certain gifts. He distributes to each one individually as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11). But the believer cannot use these gifts as he wills. He must use them to the benefit of the whole church. That's why the Holy Spirit gave them in the first place (verse 7). What better way to use these gifts than to meet in small groups and exchange gifts. Stir up love and good works by the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you. That's one way that God uses to bestow spiritual healing and deliverance.

Be part of a small group of believers. Encourage them. Exhort them. Stir up love. Stir up good works. Be aware of the difficult times during the last days. Don't think you can survive on your own. Be near believers so you can benefit from their spiritual gifts and they can benefit from yours. Together “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23).