Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 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. In thinking about this passage and reading other versions of these words, I came upon a phrase I think more accurately describes what the author of Hebrews is asking of the reader. Rather than the word “spur,” the phrase I prefer is “stir up”. I understand this phrase as someone who enjoys baking. I’m often stirring up various ingredients to create a blended mixture. Sometimes the flour has settled to the bottom of the bowl, and quite a bit of stirring is needed! Motivating others is like that. It’s stirring up what’s already there but perhaps has settled to the bottom of their hearts. As a believer, the love is there in them, and the opportunities for good works are already in front of them. It just takes some motivation to stir it up! I can certainly apply this to my own life. Like some of you perhaps, I go through times of great energy and enthusiasm for ministering to others and other times when it's a struggle. At these times, a good stirring up is needed. So, how do we “stir” ourselves and others up? Maybe the key is in the second verse I read earlier. Verse 25 says, “don’t give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another”. This habit of attending worship service and other church activities is cultivated by regularity. The idea that Sunday is church day is one we tried as parents to instill in our children and one we continue working on even now. Being around other believers, singing or listening to worshipful music, digging into the Bible, exchanging ideas in a Sunday School class or small group, praying as a congregation, volunteering to lead a committee or hep with a project at your church, or just praying for others . . . these are all ways we can stay committed to actively seeking out opportunities to love others and perform good deeds just as Jesus taught. Let’s pray together: Loving God, you sent your son Jesus to show us by the perfect example how to love others and look for ways to express that love through good deeds. Guide us in choosing how we spend our time so that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus and encourage others to do so as well. Amen. This devotional was written and read by Amy Large. Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life. If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: [email protected]. First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

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