“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
In a recent Sunday morning service, I looked at the familiar faces surrounding me in the pews. I knew many of their trials and their victories. This wasn’t a gathering of strangers. It was the family of God. We love each other and stand by each other in the good times and the not-so-good times.
To my left, a foster mom held a young child that now thrives in a safe, loving environment. In a nearby pew sat a lady who had recently received a distressing medical diagnosis. Midway down the aisle, a recently widowed mom with young children was adjusting to circumstances she never expected to face. Farther back sat an elderly man who had also recently lost a spouse and struggled with his own health issues. Each person there that morning had their own story, but each was surrounded by love.
These are “my people.” We worship together each week and care about what is happening in each other’s life. We encourage each other and pray for each other’s needs. We are family — brothers and sisters in the Lord. Sitting there that morning I felt safe and secure. I was surrounded by love and knew others felt the same.
WHY GATHERING MATTERS
Why is it so important that we meet together? The short answer is we need each other. God never intended for us to navigate life alone. We come alongside to cheer each other on. If we become isolated from other believers, we then become vulnerable to spiritual attack. Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us that “two are better than one.” We are stronger together.
As part of the body of Christ, we share the pain and the joy with our brothers and sisters. First Corinthians 12:26 tells us that, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (ESV).
SUPPORTING EACH OTHeR
The Church isn’t a building; it’s a community of believers serving the Lord together. We need the support and encouragement of others. Hebrews 10:24-25 cautions that the nearer we get to the coming of the Lord, the more urgent it is to gather as a body of believers.
Here are some of the ways we support our brothers and sisters—and receive that same support back.
We show love and honor to our fellow believers. “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10, ESV).
We help lift each other’s load and offer support. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, ESV).
We strengthen those who are weak. “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1, ESV).
We show love, even when there have been disappointments and failures. “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2, ESV)
We receive and submit to godly advice. “Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21, ESV).
We pray for each other. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers” (I Thessalonians 1:2, ESV)
GROWING TOGETHER
As part of this fellowship of believers, we grow together and all become stronger. Our walk with God becomes richer and deeper because of that unity. We are connected to something bigger than ourselves. We are family. We are loved. We belong and are doing this Christian life together.
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (I Peter 3:8, ESV)
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
