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Learning the Language of Love
John Danganan24Andlet us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, andall the more as you seethe Day drawing near - Hebrews 10:24-25
t’s been said that with great power comes great responsibility. The power of“such agreat salvation” (Heb. 2:3) that Jesus provided by sacrificing his own life so that“he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Heb. 10:14) entails a great responsibility. The author of Hebrews provides three exhortations (“Let us draw near” [v.22]; “let us hold fast” [v.23]; “let us consider” [v.24]) of responsibility in how the believer is to walk out in faith because of what Jesus, our perfect High Priest has done. The first exhortation deals with the believer’s personal devotion to God and the second exhortation appeals for a stalwart consistency in that devotion. The third“responsibility” transitions to social relationships in how we function and deal with each other. The exhortation in v. 24“let us consider" (katanaomen) answers howwe are to stir up oneanother to love and good works. In other words, thoughtful consideration and mindful alertness are necessary to motivate our brothers and sisters to love God and encourage them to do good works.
The call to biblical encouragement requires relationship, intimacy and creative thoughtfulness. I need to know both how people feel loved and how they express and communicate love. Gary Chapman details what the 5 Love Languages are: Words of Affirmation; Acts of Service; Receiving Gifts; Quality Time; Physical Touch.
There are definitely some clear Points of Obedience:
- First and foremost I need to be more thoughtful and creative in how I could best encourage and appreciate my wife Renee: random texts of appreciation; verbally affirm her. meaningful gifts beyond the obligation Valentines, bday & Christmas. consistent date nights.
- Judah: more quality time fishing and jumping with him on the trampoline; quality time ofreading together; verbally affirm his progress in reading;
- Noah: more physical affections of hugs and kisses; quality time;
- Evangelism fractal leaders: affirmationthrough hugs, hi-fives and texts; take them out to coffee more often; get the small kine gift cards; have them over the house for meals and fellowship.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for speaking so clearly and practically to me today! Thank you that because you sent your Son I can come to your throne of grace with confidence and a conscience that has been sprinkled clean! Please strengthen and remind me to be encourage your people to love and serve you. Help me not just to have cookie-cutter response of“good job” but really be creative and thoughtful in how to best shepherd my family and your people. Maranatha!
