Verse: Hebrews 10:24-25 
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  

Devotion
What was going on with the Hebrews that the writer of this book felt he had to write these passages?  If we read ahead, we can see that the writer was encouraging the Hebrews to persevere while under persecution and hardship.  Life was hard then for these new Christians.  Life is hard now (can I get an amen!) with illness and uncertainty all around and many looking down on us Christians.

So how are you doing?  Your Christian brothers and sisters care about you.  And be assured that God loves you and sees your personal hardship.  This scripture has some suggestions to help you.

“Let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds”.  So, let’s get together and show each other that we care about each other.  Then let’s go care for someone else.  One thing I have learned is that a sure way to get out of the doldrums and my own pity party is to go help someone else who has it tougher than me.  Doesn’t it feel good to lift someone else up?  Just call or text someone who is hurting and tell them that you are praying for them.  Or make someone a dinner (or send them a gift card for dinner) who you know needs a friend.  

“Let us not give up meeting together…but let us encourage one another”.  So, let’s go to church!  We can worship together and pray for each other and just encourage each other during these difficult times.  Have you had someone encourage you recently?  Do you notice how you feel lighter and seen and cared for?  And it is contagious.  If you show love to someone, you almost always get love right back.  

So try these two things this week.  Talk to a friend and show you care.  Then see if you and your friend can pass it on to someone in need.  I am sure you can figure a way to do this safely.  You will feel better for it.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for giving us fellow believers who can walk with us during difficult times.  Help us to see that we need each other and that others need us. 

Author: Brad Dunn