Cultivation | Thursday | 10/29

Provoke Something Beautiful

Hebrews 10:19–24

Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood, ²⁰ through a new and living way that he opened up for us through the curtain, which is his body, ²¹ and we have a great high priest over God’s house.

²² Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water.

²³ Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.

²⁴ And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds.

When was the last time someone provoked you?

Maybe somebody cut you off in traffic.

Maybe you read something frustrating online.

Maybe someone said something that immediately made you angry.

We know what it means to be provoked.

And our culture has become remarkably good at provoking anger, resentment, and hostility.

But the author of Hebrews takes that same word and points it toward something beautiful:

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds.”

Imagine that.

What if we were as intentional about provoking love as our world is about provoking anger?

Notice that Hebrews doesn't simply tell us to encourage people generally.

It says to consider how.

There's intentionality here.

What does this person need?

How might I encourage them?

What could I say that would help them recognize God's goodness?

How might my actions inspire someone else to love more deeply?

We don't cultivate a good and beautiful community by controlling other people's lives or demanding that they become more like us.

We cultivate community by becoming people through whom others experience the love of Christ.

And sometimes a simple word of encouragement can provoke something beautiful.

Reflect: 

Who in your life could use some intentional encouragement today? What could you say or do to provoke love and goodness in their life?

Pray: 

Jesus, make me someone who brings out the best in others. Where the world provokes anger, help me provoke love. Where others experience discouragement, help me offer hope. Use my words and actions to cultivate goodness in the people around me. Amen.