Love and Good Deeds

This verse calls for mutual encouragement, mutual spiritual edification, and mutual accountability. "The Greek word translated stir up has come into English as paroxysm, which means a 'convulsion.' In this context the Greek word speaks forcefully of the tremendous impact believers can have on each other." (from NKJV Study Bible's commentary) We are to stimulate one another to love (God and people) more/better and to do good works for God's glory. "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18) Love and good deeds must go together. If you truly love others, you will do good to them. Without loving action, saying "I love you" is meaningless. Our action/conduct should be motivated by love. "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3) Doing good deeds without love is also meaningless. We are to put love (agape) in action. Agape love is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’" (Matthew 25:35-40) 

Be loving. Be kind. Be an encourager.

Let's think of ways we can get one another excited about loving and doing good deeds. I like the root words for "enthusiasm" which are 'en' (meaning 'in') and 'theos' (meaning 'God'). When we're really in God (abiding in Christ), we delight in sharing His love with others and in doing what pleases Him. We will enjoy doing good deeds, motivated by our love for God and people. Those who have been redeemed from all wickedness and been purified by Christ are eager/enthusiastic to do what is good (Titus 2:14). Enthusiasm is contagious. One of the ways to stimulate others is by example. Our enthusiasm for the work of God can rub off on each other. Other ways include praying, sharing God's Word, studying God's Word together (as we're doing here), and encouraging. Right now I'd like to encourage y'all with these verses and a quote :). "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) "Life is ripe with opportunities to learn love...The world is not a playground; it's a classroom, and the eternal lesson is learning how to love better." (Henry Drummond) Live loved and live to love well!

Brothers and sisters in Christ should be there for one another...helping, serving, refreshing, comforting, edifying, encouraging, praying with & for one another. When Christians are united in serving the Lord, they can become a mighty force for the kingdom of God. Let us enjoy the strength and fellowship available in the body of Christ. We are better and stronger together. "Christians are like coals of fire--together, they glow; apart, they grow cold." (Unknown) 

"Christian fellowship provides us
With encouragement and love;
It will help us in our journey,
Till we reach our home above." (Sper)

As time gets closer and closer to Christ's return, we should encourage one another even more to remain faithful to Him, to be strong & courageous, to fight the good fight of faith, and to run the race with perseverance.

Prayer: 
"Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us growing day by day." (Hess)