“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.”-Hebrews 13:1
Most of us like the idea of being in decent physical shape. Of course, getting in shape and staying in shape require ongoing exercise, among other things. Working out contributes to building strength and maintaining good health. But if we stop working out, inevitably, we struggle to stay in decent shape. Thus, we must continue working out. To “keep-on-it" with exercise is very important for our ongoing health.
As Christians, we absolutely need reminders of what we must keep doing if we are to stay healthy and strong in our walk with God. For example, we are called to love. In John 15:17, we read Jesus plainly state: "This is my command: Love each other.” This isn’t a one time thing. We don’t start loving others one day and then we're finished the next day. Nope, as Christ-followers, we are to keep going in love! Hebrews 13:1 reminds us of this. Let’s re-read the passage which says: "Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” Why are we commanded here to continue in love? Do we even need a reminder like this? Yes, we do! The reason being, we easily forget. We’re “leaky" when it comes to ongoing godly instructions like really loving one another as we should. So we are reminded to keep going, to proceed, to carry on with loving one another.
Many people around us are hurting. Loneliness is pervasive. Discouragement abounds. Stress is high. Biblical love is so deeply needed. Without it, we're sunk. See 1 Corinthians 13. Our family members could use our patience. Our friends need a listening ear. Strangers, servers, co-workers, and classmates desperately need our kindness. Countless folks around us need someone to let them know, or need to be reminded, that someone truly cares about them. Just think about the times you have needed someone to be there for you in your time of need.
May we be reminded today of our ongoing call to love each other. After all, “Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other” (1 John 4:11). Who and how can we love today?
Cheer Up, friends!
-Scott