In the wonderful world of pop-culture, legendary teams often join forces to accomplish insurmountable tasks. The Avengers, the Fellowship, and the Furious Five are examples of people that come together, despite their differences, to cover each other's weaknesses and defeat evil. As these teams face imaginary threats, it is so much more important that we as Christians support each other through the real spiritual warfare that we encounter every day.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The book of Hebrews was most likely written to a group of Jewish Christians suffering from persecution for their belief in Jesus Christ. This message pushed those Christians to support one another, confide in each other, and rest in Jesus through those trials.
Regardless of our Biblical experience or even our connections with Christ, we are designed to need intimate relationship with others. I know that, for me, it is often easier to contain my cares and struggles with a hope of sorting through them by my own strength or limiting my faith to my own comfortable bubble. However, we truly just aren’t meant for solidarity. Jesus Himself shared His life and ministry with the 12 disciples and many others that followed Him consistently over His lifetime. The apostle Paul also heavily relied upon the support of churches and people like Priscilla and Aquila to accomplish the tasks God had set before him. Likewise we too are called to community, to be vulnerable, to support, and to disciple others like Jesus before us.
So today, take some time to ask yourself how you are working to be vulnerable and edify others. Challenge yourself and stretch your comfort zone by truly embracing Biblical fellowship in your life. Whether it's at the dinner table, around a fireplace, or in a coffee shop, rebuke fear and inconvenience to truly enjoy the community of the Church as God intended.
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus Christ, help us to love and embrace others as You did. To listen to and care for the concerns and struggles of our brothers and sisters and still have the strength to share our own. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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