READ | Hebrews 10:23-25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

IMAGINE

Picture the local Body of Christ as a pile of logs carefully placed together for the purpose of kindling a fire. A flame is introduced and they each gradually begin to burn and share this fire with the other logs near them. In time, they are all part of a great powerful source of light and warmth. As time passes new logs can be added to sustain the level and intensity of the fire. God is the tender of this Holy Fire, and he longs for it to be burning hot with love for Him and for each other. However, if a log falls off to the side, or rolls a bit too far away from the flame, it will smolder and the fire will slowly diminish and die out.

This is a picture of the local church, the Body of Christ. Where are you in the pile of logs? Are you burning brightly, sharing your flames with others? Are you hanging around the edges where you are only touched by the warmth, simply enjoying the beauty of the flames? Are you surrendered and willing to move closer into the pile where you can burn with deep, hot love that enkindles others? What is holding you back from total brotherly love attachments?

ASK

In prayer, seek the grace to desire more, to desire the blessings of the community of believers. Seek the courage to leave your fears and reservations behind and take a chance to let God show His love for you through the Body of Christ whose arms are open wide to receive and embrace you.

PARENT NOTE

Here’s a conversation starter for you and your child: How do we spur one another on toward love and good deeds? What does that mean?

This scripture wants us to encourage each other to love people and do good things for others. One way we can encourage each other is to talk about the things Jesus has done in our lives: like when you prayed for someone and God healed them. We can also encourage each other by going to church and worshiping together. You may think, “I am too young to do good deeds!” God wants us all to participate in doing good things. You could help pack bags in the food pantry, pick vegetables at the Vineyard Giving Farm, or make laundry detergent for the food pantry. What are some ways YOU can think of to encourage or lift up people? What are some good deeds or good things WE can do as a family?

 


Contributed by Sue Garrett, Spiritual Director

Parent Note by Charity Santiago