The week’s memory work is Hebrews 10:24-25.

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.

Use the song you created on Monday to help you continue to memorize the verse.

As we come alongside others in community, God calls us to stir each other up in love and good works. Sadly, the past year we witnessed too many of our brothers and sisters in Christ stirring one another up in discord. Instead, God calls us to contemplate how we can stir each other up to love and serve Him more.

What helps a person become more loving?

We cannot forsake coming together in community. We need to make community a priority. We also need to allow the hope we have in Christ to remind one another of the goodness and faithfulness of God as we come together. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, “The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him. He needs him again and again when he becomes uncertain and discouraged.”

Have you experienced a time in which you received the encouragement you needed in community? What happened?

Can you remember a time in which you encouraged someone who needed it? What happened?

We need to be people who encourage others to know and become like Jesus. We also need people around us who can encourage us on the journey to know and become like Jesus.

Romans 1:11-12: For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you — that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Growing to know and become like Christ also requires encouragement when we or others in our community have stepped off the path.

• Have you experienced a time in which you received the encouragement you needed to better follow Christ? What happened?

• Can you remember a time in which you encouraged someone in love to better follow Christ? What happened?

• How has God worked in you and through you in community?

Pray

We hold before God: Those for whom life is very difficult; Those who have difficult decisions to make, and who honestly do not know what is the right thing to do. We hold before God: Those who have difficult tasks to do and to face, and who fear they may fail in them; Those who have difficult temptations to face, and who know only too well that they may fall to them, if they try to meet them alone. We hold before God: Those who know that they can be their own worst enemies. We hold before God: Those who have difficult people to work with; Those who have to suffer unjust treatment, unfair criticism, unappreciated work. We hold before God: Those who are sad because someone they loved has died; and any who are disappointed in something for which they hoped very much. William Barclay