"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."
Hebrews 10:24-25
How often do you find yourself craving encouragement? Or needing someone to help you see the ways to love those around you? For me, the answer is every single day. Now ask yourself, how often do you spur someone on toward love and good deeds? Is your answer still every single day? I have the desire but I know I allow other things to get in my way. However, I have a dear friend who for the last four years has continually spurred me on. She challenges me to not just love people in a way that makes them feel good about themselves but to consider how I can be a catalyst for someone loving and serving another person too. I met Diana four years ago on my summer project in Colorado. Last summer I visited her before going to New Staff Training and she gave me a gift that for the past year has continually prompted me to do good works and love others while also encouraging me. It's three little Altoid boxes full of 52 different challenges--one for each week of the year.
The challenges vary each week. Once she challenged me to learn 3 new things about 2 different people. Another week I helped a friend reach a goal and other times the challenge is just a reminder to take time to rest and remember Christ's work. This week my challenge is write someone a note--just because. By the work of the Holy Spirit in us we are becoming more and more like Christ every single day. However I know a lot of days in my laziness, exhaustion, or pure blindness, I may miss the opportunities God has provided for me. However, Diana has been obedient to this scripture to spur me on and I am so thankful to the Lord for her. How can you encourage your friends this week? Maybe it is inviting a friend to join you in an activity that serves someone else. Or perhaps you can encourage them to use a strength you see in them to love someone else. Write a card. Make a visit. Pick up the phone and make a call. Do something this week to spur your sister in Christ on towards love and good deeds.
