"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together... but encouraging one another."
—Hebrews 10:24-25
Biblical Reflection
As we journey toward deeper gratitude, today we focus on the vital role of community. God didn’t design us to walk this life alone. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we are called to stir one another up—to encourage, challenge, and inspire each other in love and good works. This isn’t just about being together for the sake of it, but about intentionally building one another up in faith.
One of the most beautiful ways we experience God is through the encouragement of others. When we hear stories of how God is working in someone else’s life, it can refresh and reignite our own faith. Sharing our journey with a friend or fellow believer opens us up to see God’s grace more clearly, reminding us that even in difficult seasons, we are not alone. Our shared stories of God’s faithfulness can become a source of hope and gratitude.
Assignment
Today, reach out to a friend or fellow believer. This could be someone you’re close to or someone you haven’t connected with in a while. Ask them how they’ve been experiencing God lately. It can be through a text, a phone call, or even meeting for coffee if time allows.
Here are some ways to guide your conversation:
- Listen attentively to their response. Ask questions that help them reflect on what God has been doing in their life.
- Share what you’ve been reflecting on from this gratitude challenge, and how God has been working in your heart through it.
- Offer encouragement if they are going through a tough time, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and grace. Sometimes, just being present and listening can be a powerful act of love.
The goal isn’t to have a long or formal conversation, but to engage in mutual encouragement. Let the conversation flow naturally, and trust that God can use this time to build both of you up in faith and gratitude.
Why This Matters
God often uses others to stir up our faith and passion for Him. When we share how we’ve seen God’s hand in our lives, it not only encourages others but deepens our own gratitude. Community is a gift that helps us see beyond ourselves and experience God in fresh ways. Whether you’re offering encouragement or receiving it, moments like these remind us that we are part of something much bigger—God’s family.
By reflecting on how God is working in someone else’s life, we become more aware of His work in our own. Gratitude grows in the context of relationships, where we can support one another, rejoice with one another, and together give thanks for the grace of God.
Prayer Focus
As you prepare for or after your conversation, take time to pray. Ask God to stir up your passion and faith through the encouragement of others, and take a moment to pray for the person you reach out to.
Here’s a prayer to guide you:
"Father, I thank You for the gift of community. Help me to be a source of encouragement today as I reach out to [name of person]. Stir up our hearts to love and good works as we reflect on Your faithfulness. Thank You for how You work through others to remind us of Your grace. Strengthen my friend today, and give us both a renewed passion for You and a deeper sense of gratitude for what You’re doing in our lives."