Spurring Toward Love

Spurring Toward Love
Words of Faith 3-11-26
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2026
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Hebrews 10
[24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

We are called to draw near to God and hold unswervingly to the faith. These are powerful commitments that are between the believer and God. From this, there flows a commitment to the Body. The New Covenant is not a solitary work. There is a community connection. There is a duty in the Body to spur or stir up one another toward love and good deeds.

The word "consider" means to give attention to, to fix our attention upon, to give continuous care, to watch over. This is a powerful exhortation to believers to give attention and continuous care to one another. We are called to watch over one another. How different the church would be and how much stronger we would all be in Christ and in life, if we gave continuous care for one another.

This is not a negative sort of watchfulness whereby we pick out the faults of those in the Body. There is no gift of criticism among the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is a careful watch where we give attention to stirring up the very best in our brothers and sisters as we seek to live for Christ. This is a positive movement whereby we love one another and do good works.

We are called by the New Covenant to be considerate of one another, show concern for one another, meet one another's needs, strengthen one another's weaknesses, and help one another through trial and temptation. It also means that we love in action, not just in words. As the Body, we stir one another up to feed the poor, visit the sick and shut-ins, look after the orphans and the children of broken homes and single parents, and become a friend to the lonely, and give direction to the empty and those without purpose.

This would not be such a firm exhortation if it came naturally. The truth is, because of our flesh, we can get lazy. So the Writer reminds us to give attention to one another and make sure none of us is slacking off. We are to stir up and spur on. This is the call of the new, living faith Jesus Christ has brought about in us. It is not a dead faith. It is a faith that stirs us to action. It is a faith that stirs us to truly live and love in good works for the sake of a needy and sick world.

We are called to beckon one another outside of our comfort zones and cozy small groups. We are called to challenge one another toward the heart of God and the work of the Kingdom. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). Paul advised Timothy to stir up the people of God— "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share" (1 Tim 6:18).

Sometimes we shy away from spurring one another toward love and good works because we don't want to seem legalistic or oriented by "works righteousness". Love and good works can never earn God's favor. But James cautioned that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.' (James 2:17-18).

This, too, is part of our witness to the world. In the arenas where harsh criticism is leveled at those who seek to live out the Gospel in an authentic way, this is the testimony that will shine through. As Peter wrote, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us" (1 Peter 2:12).

Father God, teach me how to give positive attention to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me free from a critical spirit. Show me how to stir up love and good deeds in those You have called to Yourself in the Body of Christ. Help me to be in relationships that will challenge me to live out the Gospel in authentic ways. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2026
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2026 Jeffrey D. Hoy.