Lent Day 13 - Don’t Give Up

And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24–25

A while ago, I was talking with somebody at church who was having a difficult time. They were carrying all kinds of burdens and I could see they were struggling. I did my very best to show care and to encourage them, but I discovered soon afterwards that they had decided to stop attending church, despite their strong network of friendships.

I know every situation is complicated and we shouldn’t stay in places if it’s really right to leave. And yes, people withdraw for all kinds of reasons. I’ll be honest though – as church leaders, it’s never easy when part of the family chooses to say goodbye, especially if we can’t fully understand why. We long for church to be a community who will walk through the tough stuff together, so that we all grow stronger and closer as a result.

The reality is, most of us tend to hide a bit when we are struggling. I’m just the same. It’s not always easy to be honest or to push through the tunnel of chaos into relationship again. When we feel low, when we receive a criticism, when not everything is to our liking, avoiding challenging conversations might seem appealing – but we don’t grow in intimacy that way.

Meeting together is not just a nice idea; it’s more even than a good habit. Community is God’s plan A for his people so that we can spur one another on, encouraging one another, equipping each other to know Jesus better. It might not always be comfortable, but it is how we grow deeper and stronger in unity together. So, as the writer to the Hebrews says – let’s not give up, but instead, let’s carefully consider how to encourage one another even more.

How committed are you to ‘meeting together’ with other Christians? What are you ‘in the habit of doing?’

When you face relational challenges (or just busyness or distraction), how do you fight the temptation to withdraw from others at church or elsewhere?

When and how can you spur others on towards love and good deeds?

Taken from Digging for Diamonds Devotional by Cathy Madavan

In this 40-day devotional based on the bestselling book Digging for Diamonds, Cathy Madavan encourages us to discover more of the life-transforming treasures of our identity, strength, character and purpose that God has already placed within us.

Each day includes a Bible reading, a devotional thought, questions for reflection and a prayer.

Spend 40 days digging for diamonds and find the treasure hidden in the messiness of life.

Content Benefits: This 40-day devotional guide will help you spend more time in the scriptures, gain a deeper understanding of your unique God-given identity and gifts, and encourage you to live a valuable, purposeful life.

Provides a Bible reading, devotional scriptural reflection, questions and a prayer for each day.

Perfect for quiet times.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the power of relationship. Forgive me when I run away from intimacy or vulnerability; lead me to people who I can encourage and be encouraged by. Fill me with your Holy Spirit, and enable me to love as you love. Amen.