Ready:
“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” — Hebrews 10:24-25
Set:
Friendships are not always easy. Navigating them can prove difficult. Throw in the stress of competition and friendships with teammates and classmates feels impossible.
Each year my high school cheer squad had to navigate this seemingly impossible task. Each member came to the squad with a different outlook. One was bitter that she didn’t make both basketball varsity squads. One had just recovered from an injury. Another was hyper-focused on how she looked. A few girls resented another member because she had made the All-Star Team, but they hadn’t. One girl was so positively optimistic all of the time it made the others avoid her. The problem was if the squad was not close like friends everything else would fall apart. If there is no trust among cheerleaders, stunts go dangerously wrong. If there is dissention, the chants fall flat all while the crowd watches. I am sure it is much the same for any team. Without friendship and connection, the team simply won’t work. And in life outside of competition, things are downright lonely without a squad of good friends.
The author of Hebrews knew how to build and maintain friendships. As believers we are to “consider one another.” Simply put, we are called to think about others, not just ourselves. He goes on to instruct that we are to “provoke love and good works.” There is often a lot of provoking in competition and in life (Snap drama anyone?), but it is not usually the good kind. The author is calling on believers to spur and inspire love and service among the other believers. Think of a horseback rider who gently nudges a horse forward with her heel. Just a little spur and things get moving in the right direction.
When our squad of various outlooks took time to gather together outside of practice and games, things changed and friendships grew. The time gathered around a snack or dinner or driving to practice helped each of us gain a new perspective of the other members. Through that time our hearts of encouragement for one another and the team we supported grew.
A little encouragement goes a long way in provoking love. Acknowledge when a friend makes you smile. Notice their new outfit or clever social media post. A little love goes a long way toward cementing friendships. Love your friends by speaking well of them to others, noticing when they are having a rough day, spending time doing things they like to do.
Go:
Do you have a few friends you know you can count on?
What are a few practical ways you can “provoke love and good works” among your friends?
If you feel like you do not have friends you can count on, pray and ask God to show you where you can build some friendships.
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, making friends and maintaining friendships is hard but You are the God who can do hard things. Open my eyes and heart to see where I can encourage and provoke my friends to love. Bring friends into my life who will do the same for me. Heal the hurt of previous harsh words and petty arguments. Thank You for being my friend. In Jesus’ name, amen.”