We are designed to live in community.  The Bible contains a significant number of “one another” passages showing our responsibility toward one another.  Fellowship is not an optional luxury for a Christian but rather a spiritual necessity.  I’ve heard Bill Hybels say, “Spiritual formation takes place within three feet of another person.”   The writer of Hebrews realized the importance of God’s people to experience fellowship with one another,

The word “consider” is in the present tense so it is a continuous action with the idea of diligently fixing one’s mind in an attentive manner.  The word  “spur” literally means “a sharpening” and by implication “a sharpening of the feeling, or action.”  This word occurs only in one other place in the New Testament and it is translated “sharp disagreement” as Paul and Barnabas discussed if they should take Mark on the missionary journey,

And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.  (Acts 15:39)

There is a spiritual entropy that can enter our lives and we need others to come along aside and spur us on in our spiritual journey.  Solomon wisely observed, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”  (Proverbs 27:17).  The emphasis of our encouragement is toward love and good deeds.  The word “encouraging” is a fairly common word in the New Testament and it literally means to “come alongside” another person.  It is a word that is rich in meaning and it conveys the idea “to console, to encourage, to comfort, and to strengthen by consolation.”

Is there someone that God has brought into your life whom you could come alongside and bring some encouragement?  Don’t neglect this important ministry – we must minster to others as God gives us the opportunity,

The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  (Romans 13:12)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University(