“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works”- NLT Hebrews 10:24
When the writer of the book of Hebrews wrote this letter, it encouraged the Christians to remember who they are and not give up. Because there were similar struggles of persecution and oppression, the writer tells them this is not the time to turn away from each other but draw closer. To remain united as a village, encourage, and uplift as they are not a singular island but an isthmus connecting them. Division among one another tears away what can/could be, and nothing can be achieved. However, to remain as one united front is the key to the success of change to better humanity. The writer understood the power of unity and motivating each other to acts of love and good works.
The writer can be interpreted as saying even in the chaos of a pandemic, racial and social injustice, and the struggle of poverty, find ways to motivate one another to provide acts of love and good works. Be the light to a struggling world. Do not allow the present circumstances to change your character. It is natural to give what you receive. However, what pricks a heart to change is giving someone what they feel or believe they might not deserve. One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” People misunderstand love as a weakness when in actuality, to love in the face of hate is strength. Love and acts of kindness can change any environment over time, if not immediately. The writer does not encourage people to allow others to mistreat them or not stand up for what is right. Love can be seeing something that is wrong and saying something. Acts of kindness can be demonstrated in our willingness to connect regardless of differences.
As we journey through life, may we not forget what is essential. The love for one another, being kind to others and encouraging our village. It is in the unity of our village that we find the strength to move forward.
Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy