Stir One Another Up!

How Hebrews 10 Connects Gathering and Encouragement

Though Christians took different approaches to COVID-19 precautions, there were times when distancing, quarantine, and isolation left us all feeling lonely and lacking. When we or our friends and family took precautions, it kept us from community. Even going to the grocery store was a lonelier experience than it had been a few years ago. And though many precautions were good and necessary, they kept many of us from gathering with the church far longer than was good and necessary. Sadly, these lonely days were also divided ones. From political debates to theological disputes, ad hominem attacks have ruled our days.

Now pastors are exhorting and imploring members to come back—to get back into the rhythm of attendance, service, and fellowship with God’s family. We’re quoting Hebrews 10:24–25 again and again:

"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."

We’re quick to emphasize the command in verse 25, but we also need to see the command’s implication. The last two years have left many anemic of encouragement. From a distance, we’ve been good at stirring one another up, but it’s been for anything other than love and good works. And yet, as this passage indicates, God has designed gathering with the church as the means for godly support. Read More