Nicole Dotson

 

“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.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

Our pastor shared a concept several years ago called “Refrigerator Friends,” and I’ve never forgotten it.

You know those friends—the ones who can go into your fridge without asking, eat your favorite food, and you’re totally fine with it? They’re also the friends who aren’t afraid to throw out what’s expired or rotten.

They’re the ones who will honestly tell us when something in our lives is off—or “rotten”—too.

Hebrews 10:24-25 illustrates what biblical friendship and community look like. These fellow believers motivate one another toward love and good deeds, maintain fellowship with one another, and offer encouragement.

These verses clearly show that followers of Christ need one another. We are called to live in community, not in isolation. In fact, verse 23 reminds us to “…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…” —and we don’t do that alone. In order to keep a firm grip on our hope—and remain unmoved in our faith—we will need regular encouragement, reminding, and at times, some “spurring on” from other believers.

So, how do we “spur one another on” toward love and good deeds? In this verse, spur refers to a kind of provocation—like a loving jab or nudge—that moves someone to action. Just as a horse sometimes needs a gentle prompt to keep moving forward, we may need to lovingly nudge one another to love and do good works—those works that benefit the body of Christ and bring glory to God—from time to time.

It’s important to remember that we can’t love one another as God has commanded when we isolate ourselves from a community of Christ-followers. Our gaze tends to turn inward—seeking our own good rather than the good of others—when we keep ourselves from engaging in godly community. We can easily become discouraged and self-focused when we’re not around people who love us enough to challenge and strengthen us.

Let’s be honest—sometimes we all need a loving nudge from a trusted friend in Christ when we’ve strayed from God’s will or fallen out of alignment with His Word.

We need those friends who are willing to say,
“This isn’t who God has called you to be.”

But not only that—

We need friends who will call us up, and remind us:

“You were made for so much more—it’s time to step into what God has called you to do.”

Because spurring one another on isn’t just about correction. It’s also about reminding fellow believers that they are new creations in Christ—chosen, forgiven, and equipped to serve in His kingdom.

We need those kinds of friends—and we must also be willing to be that kind of friend.

Flattery will not bring us closer to Christ, but the truth spoken in love will.

Scripture reinforces this— “…speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”  (See Eph. 4:15). We’re also reminded that, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”  (See Prov. 27:6) And in Psalm 141:5, David says that a rebuke from a righteous person is actually a kindness, like oil on his head.

We don’t always have to “wear spurs,” though. Most of the time, what we need is simple encouragement as we walk faithfully—so we must also not forget to give it. I know in my own life, encouragement from others has strengthened my faith and motivated me to keep using the gifts God has given me to serve His people and bring Him glory.

This is the kind of community and friendship Scripture calls us to—the kind that encourages us, challenges us, and isn’t afraid to clear out what doesn’t belong. The kind of “refrigerator friendship” that helps us grow to look more like Christ Jesus.

Let’s take a moment to reflect:

• Who can I encourage today?
• Am I willing to be a friend who speaks truth in love?
• Do I receive correction from a faithful friend as a kindness—or do I resist it?

Father, You are my faithful Encourager. Thank You for the gift of godly friends and fellowship. Every good and perfect gift comes from You! Help me to be an encouraging friend—grant me the words to say and the courage to speak them when I need to offer truth and encouragement to others. I ask that You would give me friends who will encourage and speak truth to me, and grant me a willing heart to listen and grow closer to You. Thank You for being my faithful Friend!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

~Nicole🤍

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

(Updated post—originally posted on 3.11.2015)