Encouraging One Another

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another (Heb. 10:24-25).

          As these pandemic times roll on, it has become more difficult to stay connected to others who are part of our family of faith.  Indeed, for those who are newer to the congregation, it is hard even to make connections with others in the first place.

          Some of you have been part of St. Luke’s Zion for many years and have gotten to know others in the congregation – usually through participation in some sort of smaller group.  Those who serve on council, or make music together, or come to Bible conversations, or ladies’ group, or men’s gatherings, or (fill in the blank), get to know others better by doing so.  At the same time, it is possible to come to worship or to worship online without getting to know anybody.

          Now, I am aware that some are quite content with sticking to themselves.  They feel as though they have quite enough relationships in their life, thank you very much.  However, others are far less connected and would love to be able to form some new relationships and “provoke one another to love and good deeds.”

          There are good reasons that followers of Jesus gather together in congregations in order to worship, learn, and serve together.  There is the “provoking one another” already mentioned, as well as encouraging one another.  There is learning how to love one another as Jesus loved – even when we don’t particularly like one another.  There is praying for one another and bearing one another’s burdens.  There is multiplying the service that we are able to render by combining our own skills and resources with those of others.  Jesus didn’t just minister to individuals, but formed a community.

          And so, I am curious.  Would you like to have opportunities to get to know others better in the congregation?  Do you have ideas for how we can be better connected to one another – especially in the midst of a pandemic?  Do you have ideas for how we can provoke one another to love and good deeds?

          Connections could be in person or virtual.  Contact with others could be by phone or by video chat, depending on your circumstances.  Or perhaps you have ideas that have never even occurred to me!

          All of us need encouragement every once in a while, especially when our faith is being challenged.  All of us need to learn how to both give and receive – just as Jesus showed his followers.  All of us need to be held in the prayers of others and surrounded by the love of Christ.

          It seems right now that most people are experiencing one or more of the following:  Fatigue, anxiety, hopelessness, fear, grief, trauma, division, isolation, and shock.  Even if you are not among the front line workers, the pandemic has affected you in some way.  Let us then find ways to encourage one another as we enter into the season of Advent.  For we are held by the one who is Love Incarnate, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

          Wishing you the peace of Christ,

          Pastor Lynne Hutchison