Spur One Another on Toward Love and Good Deeds

Date: June 4, 2024

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse in NIV (Hebrews 10:24-25) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

L - Listen for God's Voice and pray Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Christian community and the privilege of spurring one another on in our faith. Help us to be intentional about coming together, encouraging each other, and challenging one another to live out our faith through love and good deeds. Give us the wisdom and creativity to find ways to gather, even in the midst of challenges or obstacles. May our fellowship be a source of strength, inspiration, and growth as we journey together toward the Day of Christ's return. In Jesus' name, Amen.

E - Explore the History and meaning The book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and considering abandoning their faith. The author reminds them of the superiority of Christ and the importance of persevering in faith. In chapter 10, the writer emphasizes the significance of the new covenant established through Christ's sacrifice and urges believers to hold fast to their confession of faith.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases

"Spur one another on" - To stimulate, encourage, and challenge each other to grow in faith and love.

"Love and good deeds" - The practical outworking of our faith, demonstrating our love for God and others through actions.

"Not giving up meeting together" - Emphasizing the importance of consistent fellowship and community, even in the face of challenges or opposition.

S - Summarize and Share
Hebrews 10:24-25 underscores the vital role that Christian community plays in our spiritual growth and perseverance. As believers, we are called not only to grow in our individual faith but also to actively participate in the fellowship of other Christians, spurring one another on toward love and good deeds.

This passage reminds us that we need each other to stay faithful and to live out our faith in practical ways. When we come together, we have the opportunity to encourage and support one another, to share our joys and struggles, and to challenge each other to keep growing in our relationship with Christ. We can pray for one another, study God's Word together, and hold each other accountable to living a life that honors God.

This verse warns against the temptation to neglect meeting together, recognizing that isolation can make us vulnerable to discouragement, doubt, and even falling away from the faith. When we face trials or opposition, it can be easy to withdraw from everyone and try to go it alone. But God designed us for fellowship, and He knows that we need the support and encouragement of other believers to stay strong in our faith.

The call to meet together becomes even more urgent as we see "the Day approaching"—a reference to the return of Christ and the culmination of God's plan for redemption. As we draw closer to that day, we need the encouragement and accountability of Christian community more than ever to help us stay focused on Christ and to live lives that reflect His love and goodness.

So today, let’s embrace the gift of Christian fellowship and the call to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let’s be intentional about coming together, even when it's challenging or inconvenient. Let’s seek out opportunities to encourage and support one another, to pray for each other, and to challenge each other to keep growing in our faith. And let’s remember that as we journey together, Christ is with us, empowering us by His Spirit and leading us toward the Day of His return.

3 Bible Cross References:

Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Where do you find Christian community and fellowship? Is it through your local church, a small group Bible study, a Facebook group, a close-knit group of friends, or somewhere else? Comment below where you find fellowship and how these connections have impacted your spiritual growth and encouraged you in your faith journey. Your response may inspire and encourage others to seek out or deepen their engagement with Christian community!