Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Strength and Compassion”
Our Bible verse for today: “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.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “We can help each other to become stronger and more compassionate.”
As I write this it is Friday morning. The weekend is about to begin and Sunday is coming. Of course, as a Pastor, my thoughts are focused on the gathering of the saints on Sunday morning. And that being the case, I’m drawn once again to the guidance given to us by the writer of the letter to the Hebrews in 10:24-25.
It’s crucial for Christians to gather together. We miss so much when we’re absent from the gatherings of our church family. For one thing, we’re being disobedient to the commands of Scripture when we don’t gather together as God instructs us to. But also, we’re spiritually weaker for not being there.
In terms of strength and compassion, we gain strength from being around those who are strong and we cultivate compassion within ourselves as we’re exposed to the compassion of others. When a healthy church family comes together, there will be an abundance of strength and compassion present and we will each be positively influenced by it. I will be encouraged and inspired by your strength and compassion, and hopefully you will draw some from me too.
Author Eric Greitens once wrote, “The world requires of us – of every one of us – that we be both good and strong.”
Yes, we must be both good and strong, and we help each other to become that way. But in order for us to do that for each other we have to be together. This is why the New Testament is so emphatic about the importance of believers coming together. When we do, we offer our strength and compassion to each other and we spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Let’s grow stronger and more compassionate together.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 