God created us to be part of a large, diverse, eternal family of faith. We are created in God’s image; therefore, we can know we were created to love others. We were created to have a close, personal relationship with God and with others. One of the best ways to build a family relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ is to meet with them and encourage one another to live with an eternal focus.

The family of faith should encourage one another to live with great love for others and a great passion for good works. What are “good works”? In Scripture, our good works are accomplished by doing those things the Lord has called us to do. We are to walk in obedience to his word and to the voice of his word in our lives, his Holy Spirit. When we walk faithfully in obedience to God, we accomplish good works.

We hope people will walk with God, but Hebrews teaches us to “stir up,” or work hard, to continuously find ways to be an encourager. Words of encouragement are powerful, uplifting, protecting, and full of God’s powerful guidance. 

When we gather for worship, study, or simply to fellowship, we can ask ourselves if we have obeyed the wisdom of Hebrews. 

Did we focus on God’s purpose for this time? How can we help people understand their need to serve Jesus and others?

—Offer truth to someone’s doubts?

—Offer comfort for their pain?

—Offer confidence, conviction, and power to their apathy?

The Day is drawing near. Today we are one day closer to our eternal life than we were yesterday. Are we doing all we can to invest in God’s kingdom and his eternal purpose for this world? 

Good advice and careful instruction provide wisdom. How will you share God’s love, wisdom, and encouragement with your brothers and sisters tomorrow? “Consider how” you will live your answer to that question today.