The habit of meeting together (R)

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Hebrews 10:23-25 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - NIV

We all need each other in the journey of faith. The scripture above gives us reasons for the need to always meet and fellowship with others. It helps us hold unswervingly to the hope we have in Christ. Without encouragement from others, one can easily give up. It also helps us provoke one another into love and good works in the Lord. Fellowship enables us encourage one another so that we remain firm and faithful as we wait for return of the Lord. That day draws close every day.

Why don’t some people like or trivialize fellowship? One reason is they don’t see its value. None of us stands individually. We need others. God knows that and instituted fellowship. We can’t be smarter than God. Pride, despise or disagreement with others makes others reject fellowship. True, we may not be the same and so disagree with others, but let’s learn to live with people as we take what is good and leave what is bad. There is always something to learn and benefit from others. Jesus promised to be among those who meet in His name.

Every success story of individuals has other people around them. However successful you may see yourself now, your future sustenance of progress depends on others. Don’t be one of those in the habit of giving up meeting for fellowship. Your strength grows and is maintained through others. Otherwise you might soon be outwitted by the enemy. Elijah was outwitted because he was alone!

Hebrews 3:12-13 "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

Shalom children of God.