Devotion for November 9, 2021

Hebrews 10: 19-25

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

What was the last thing you provoked in someone? Was it anger when you cut them off in traffic? Was it frustration at poking holes in their opinion as “devil’s advocate?” Was it nervous laughter at a joke made at another’s expense? Was it distance after another political argument?

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.” We do this while meeting together and encouraging one another. This is a practice of community. This is a practice of a people unified in the Spirit even when we disagree or see things differently. So next time you decide to change someone’s opinion on Facebook, consider what you could say to provoke love and good deeds. This was the way of the early church. Let it be our way as well.