Show Up and Share

As the new year started off a few days ago, it is common to try and establish a new, and healthier habit for yourself. And while we never have to wait to a new year or a new semester to make a change, it is helpful to have reset times, like a new year, to have a fresh start towards something you know would be good for you. 
Maybe you’re over the new year resolution thing, you have tried that and know what happens by the middle or end of January. Now, my goal here is not to build a case for or against new years resolutions, but if you have made some or are still hoping to, I’d like to add one to the list.

Several places in scripture we are commanded to encourage and build one another up. Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, 1 Thessalonians 5:9–11,

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

And just a little prior, Paul also writes, in conclusion to teaching about our future hope with God:

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:18)

In Hebrews, we see a similar command. Hebrews 10:24–25,

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

In these verses we see that we are called to encourage one another, build one another up based on the truth and Words of God. Our encouragement shouldn’t be positive thinking and flattery, but can be concrete and powerful because it rests on the finished work of Christ for us. We have the best news to be able to encourage one another with! We are to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. These are important commands for the strength and health of a church, but that’s actually not my exhortation for us today…

One of the additional things Hebrews mentions is what hinders this from happening. It tells us what to do, and what not to do, and it says: “Do not neglect to meet together”.

One of the greatest hinderances to you being encouraged by others, may be that they don’t know you need it!  

How will they know if you don’t share your struggles with them? 

And how will you share your struggles with them, if you don’t regularly attend a Community Group, or a Life Group, or this worship gathering each Sunday?

If you do not show up and share your struggles, your fears, or your sins with other Christians, then they can’t encourage you and remind you of the the rock solid hope and truth of Jesus. 

And if we can’t do this with other sinners saved by grace, then where else can we go? God’s church is built for this; to build one another up by speaking the truth in love until we reach maturity in Christ together. 

If you regularly show up to these things, that is a great start. And when you do; do you share about the places you need help so that others can help?  

In 2025, don’t try to do it all on your own. I hope we all resolve to know and love God more this year. And whatever resolutions you may have of exercising, or reading or praying or serving, don’t go at it alone.

I want to exhort us to resolve to show up and share, so that God, through his people may meet you, encourage you, and strengthen you. 

Would you pray with me?

Father,

You have given us one another to be a help in our faith.  Yet often we fail to make good use of the gift of Christian community and fellowship. Your gospel, and your love, is sufficient to meet us in any need we have and often you choose to meet these needs through fellow brothers and sisters.  Father would you remove whatever barrier prevents us from showing up and sharing with one another? And whatever sin of pride or self-sufficiency that is present as well?

Father, we pause to confess the sins that keep us from real community with one another in this moment of silent confession…