Being receivers and givers when the church gathers

When The Church Gathers Together Gladly, Joyfully and Willingly

When the church gathers together it is not with a heavy sigh and a strong determination we are going to do things that, frankly, we don’t really want to do. However, just watch us, we are going to prove to God we love Him by fulfilling this burdensome obligation.

When the church gathers, we do so as God’s people. And we come together gladly, joyfully, willingly to praise and honor Him. He deserves it! Also, we come together to lift each other up and encourage one another.

When the church is functioning properly it does not involve gathering together because we have to. It involves gathering together because—in recognition of who He is and what He has done—we want to.

It's Important To Be Encouragers To Each Other

There are all kinds of circumstances in life which can be discouraging. 

You’ve discovered that, already, haven’t you?  Yeah, me too.

Events may occur in which we are tempted to think, “Oh well, what’s the point?”  Or, “why do I bother?”  Or, “nothing I do will make a difference, anyhow.”  Or, “I’m tired of trying anymore.”  Or, “Even when I try to do the right thing it, somehow, becomes an ugly mess.”

So, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that over and over again in the Bible we are instructed to encourage each other.  Here’s an example, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

We all, from time to time, need encouragement.

The encouragement that is urged in the Scriptures often has to do, specifically, with encouraging each other in matters that have to do with our faith in God.  But encouraging one another in many different ways, areas of life, and pursuits is good, helpful, important and right.

God understands that we live in a fallen world and, therefore, discouragement will come our way.  We have all been in need of that word of encouragement.  So, He calls us to make an effort to be encouragers to each other. One of the nicest, most helpful, most meaningful things we can do is to be the one who gives encouragement to that person who really needed it today!  The act of encouragement really can be one of those small gestures that becomes a big deal for someone.

We Need Each Other

“Countless studies have found that social relationships are the best guarantee of heightened well-being and lowered stress, both an antidote for depression and a prescription for high performance.” – Shawn Achor.  We need each other!  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” Hebrews 10:25.