January 14, 2022

Hebrews 10: 24 (NIV)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Responsible relationships with others are essential to our spiritual growth.*

Barnabas, Paul’s companion, was named “Joseph” by his parents (see Acts 4: 36). Because his new name means “son of encouragement,” it is safe to assume that Barnabas was an encourager. Often encouragers are people whose intentions are better than their advice. They are the ones who tell us what we want to hear or who dispense useless platitudes. A fake Barnabas might make us feel better but he has nothing substantial to offer.

The writer of Hebrews urges us to consider how we can encourage one another to love and to perform good deeds. How much time do we spend thinking about how to be that kind of encourager? How would that look in actual practice? Here are a few suggestions: 1) set an example as someone who loves and does good deeds; 2) pay attention to your friends’ strengths and encourage them in using them to serve the Lord; 3) pray for your friends and let them know you are praying for them; 4) never lie to someone just to make her feel better about herself but cultivate the ability to speak the truth in love; and, 5) never forget that nothing encourages a person to improve more than knowing that he is loved and accepted just as he is.

And suggestion number six comes from the writer of Hebrews in the very next verse: Let us not give up meeting together . . . but let us encourage one another . . . Sometimes all you have to do to be an encourager is to show up!

I worship God anywhere I choose. But the assembly is for us that we might encourage each other toward greater fidelity.*