Hebrews 10:24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (KJV)

Two years ago today was load the trucks day for us.  Our time at Williamson Christian College was at an end and we were moving back to Akron, OH.  We were so blessed with the help we received over the weeks of getting ready for that move.  Moving presents such a wonderful opportunity to be a blessing to the ones moving (or moving in) and being blessed by the very giving of our help.  We were repeatedly aware of our appreciation for the help of our friends who were able to give it.

The people who came to help us were ones we had relationship with.  That might sound obvious, but it’s fruit of those relationships.  Friends help friends.  We become involved in one another’s lives.  That is one of the beauties of small groups that are so vital to the life of a local church.  In small groups we get to know one another beyond just recognizing their faces or speaking briefly together on Sunday.

Fortunately, the Christians we were involved with 42 years ago, placed a very high importance upon community and small groups.  These were the places where we learned to ‘love one another’ in practical ways.  We would help one another, pray for each
other, have meals together, do fun things together, vacation together, etc…

We learned to recognize just how important it was for us to be there for each other. ‘Loving one another’ is a learned skill that can be richly developed.  Community helps do that.  We have the opportunity to provoke one another to love and good works by our Godly
examples.  Sometimes we cannot help, but at other times we can miss opportunities just because we are slow to recognize or respond to the need.

Sometimes it is those around us who recognize the need before we do.  We see them respond or possibly they ask us if we will join them to help someone.  We then have a choice to make.  The motto of our church here in Akron is “Blessed to be a blessing”.  We are grateful for the blessing we have received and grateful for the opportunity to be a blessing to others!