We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 NABRE
The letter to the Hebrews has named Christ as the High Priest, who has made access to the sanctuary available for everyone. All believers are seen as a holy priesthood. The Christian proclaims Christ and defends their faith. We have moments when we are not as committed to our faith as we would like, we drift or lose conviction. The writer of Hebrews reminds the community, we must lift each other up, we must spur one another on. Faith and hope give birth to love, and love is expressed concretely in good works. The message of Jesus, the gospels and early church letters insist the life of the Christian is communal. There is no such thing as a private Christian. Every member is responsible for supporting, building up, encouraging, consoling, and calling others to holiness. It is not enough to do good works for others, love also includes stirring up others, by word and example, to do good works themselves. The real source of good deeds is God and so we should work together to show the glory of God. The quoted verse also includes an appeal to gather in community, through a service of worship and prayer. A time of meeting together, praying together, learning the word of God and sharing a meal.
In apostolic times there was a celebration every Sunday, “On the first day of the week … we gathered to break bread,” (Acts 20:7) The gathering was another chance to encourage one another and to get ready for the day of the Lord, which early Christians thought was going to happen any day.
Do you encourage your Christian siblings? Are you encouraged at a community service?
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