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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching"
This passage of scripture brings up so many different angles and meanings to me. As I'm sure it does for everyone. In the past I typically have heard this always applied to attending church. Somewhere along the lines of don't fall out of the habit of attending church. There will always be a good excuse to miss. Now that I'm further on my walk with the Lord that's not really relevant; I don't want to miss church, in fact I crave it. However, there are still times of tension, stress, attacks and complications when it comes to relationships and interacting with people.
We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and therefore life together will not always be easy, neat and fun. Sometimes it's downright painful; because of our own past, shame and/or self-induced condemnation, as well as, what other people might be doing to us (intentionally or not). Many of us just want to avoid, run away, keep people at a distance, etc. Yet, when we walk in obedience to the Lord He rewards us because in those moments of intentionally leaning in He is able to come in and heal pieces of our hearts. Leviticus 26:3-10 (below).
When we ourselves are hurting because our own stuff coming up in relationships we need to diligently seek Him. He is our healer, our comfort, our hope, and our strength (Psalm 30:2, Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 33:20-22). When we experience and see things that are not of God's character in other believers the first thing we need to do is pray. Matthew 5:44-46 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?"
Personally, I feel like part of the process of praying for those who are persecuting us involves our own heart stance. When someone offends us and we don't seek the Lord quickly, pride and a position of contempt can very easily slide in. Our flesh wants us to protect ourselves. However, this isn't God's way. When we protect ourselves we are missing out on what the Lord might do in that situation. He might do something so incredibly amazing as we allow Him to come in and fight our battles. He might do such a wonderful act of healing in our own hearts and possibly in there's too. Either way we win because we are leaning into the Lord and gaining intimacy with Him. Which in turn is strengthening our foundation, and that means we aren't as easily moved, offended and hurt by other's! Hello freedom!!
In what areas of your life can you be praying to the Lord for hope, strength, comfort, unity and redemption? Where is He calling you to trust Him by being obedient in His ways?
<3 Praying His supernatural peace and comfort over all who read this.
Lev 26:3-10 “‘If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.
6 “‘I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove wild beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country. 7 You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall by the sword before you. 8 Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you.
9 “‘I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you. 10 You will still be eating last year’s harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new.
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