Meeting each other

Hebrews 10:24-25

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another...

Now 2012 is coming to a close, and what a year it has been. So much has happened and I am very excited for the next year. In the last post I mentioned I have been away on a big trip and since I came back I mainly had something on my heart that might be best described as 'community'. In the broader sense of the word. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 is probably one of the most used scriptures when considering community. So there's nothing new here. I do think this is a great scripture to have on your heart when entering the new year, as in my opinion, you can't do life on your own. This has two simple reasons: you need others, and others need you. Do not undervalue that last reason. 

Furthermore I think sometimes we take community, or simple social activities with other people/Christians as add-ons in our life. Whilst this translation (NLT) makes this a 'mild suggestion' or an encouragement, the author uses more aggressive language. I don't always check out the Greek, but sometimes I like to know exactly what something means. The word 'motivate' in v24 is paroksysmos in Greek, which translates to provoke or stir up. So it has a much more compulsory or pushing edge to it. The author here is motivating us to push each other to do acts of love and good works. 

The next part is my focal point. Again the author uses strong language. The Greek for neglect here is egkataleipo, which is stronger than neglect, it translates into forsaking, or leaving behind. It is not talking about missing a meeting, or not having a coffee with friends in a week. But the author is emphasizing the importance of meeting up with - in this case - Christian friends. You need other people to push you to keep loving and doing good and vice versa. 

And to be really honest, we could have worse obligations. To have lunch with some friends and to speak into each others lives is probably one of the best and most fun things to do. I would like to end this final 2012 blogpost with an encouragement for next year:

Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Col. 3:13-15)

Have a great New Year's and be blessed in 2013. His love never fails.