STIMULATING LOVE

And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

To “consider” means to think carefully and intentionally. This is a vital choice; we can either actively seek ways to inspire our church family or tragically ignore this responsibility.

The word “stimulate” shares roots with the sharp reaction one has to sour wine (think of drinking vinegar). Just as the bitter taste of vinegar might “stimulate” someone to spit it out, we aim to spark a reaction—though ours should be one of love. This requires both effort and creativity. We can motivate our brothers and sisters by being godly examples, writing encouraging notes, recognizing their spiritual gifts and challenging them to use them, and even rebuking them.

While individual encouragement is vital, Hebrews 10:25 highlight the necessity of corporate fellowship: “not forsaking our own assembling together.” “Forsaking” implies stopping something that should be constant, like the sun rising. A solar eclipse is novel once in awhile, but if it happened every day, our planet would be in trouble. While an occasional absence from church is understandable, making a habit of missing corporate worship is catastrophic to our spiritual health and that of others in the church. Following Christ is inherently social. It is impossible to keep our Lord’s command to love each other without consistently meeting together. When you are in church each week, you show your love for Jesus and stimulate others to love Him, too.

As you go through your week, can you think of some specific ways to “spur” the people in your church toward love and good deeds? It’s not just the pastor’s job. Think about one specific person in your church that you can stimulate to love and good deeds, and do it!

Ethan Kallberg