Maybe Today
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Insight
Today’s scripture reading reveals a solid appeal to maintain a culture of accountability, done the right way.
Addressed to a group of Jewish converts who would have been strong in Old Testament knowledge and were also tempted to revert to Judaism, this letter serves as a reminder of how we must love each other the way God loves us. It’s a serious statement for all. So how might we go about actually doing it with any success?
Growing up in church, I could often hear elders or even younger people who were solid in their Christianity say, “Maybe today.” It was spoken in more of a celebratory tone to remind each other that Christ will indeed return soon for those He loves, and meeting Him will be the ultimate joy.
The excerpt from Hebrews mentions that “Day” and the importance of supporting each other until it comes. Here’s the real talk though: it’s hard to come together with others, especially today, and most definitely for the reason of accountability. So many of us (especially those who have tried it before) see it for the legalistic entrapment that it can so easily become. We would naturally want to avoid the potential of a guilt trip. Sometimes having an “accountability partner” is the single most incendiary thing for that. However, we do want to be supported, and we want to be loved, which also is natural.
What God intends for us is to walk together in the New Covenant. This is a place where there is mutual forgiveness and so too, real love. In order to be here, it means you have to bring your love parallel to the way God loves His people. God’s love is of course paramount. He demonstrated it to you through giving His son, Jesus Christ, who shed the blood for the new covenant, died and ascended to remain alive to continue dispensing his mighty love. You won’t find that in anyone or anything else. Christ reigns supreme as the ultimate broker of grace. It is imperative to celebrate that. You can only ever celebrate in community
Are you struggling alone? God wants us to come together with one another to encourage each other, find relief from imperfections and freedom from our sin. Are you struggling deeply? Because of the battle Jesus has already won for us on the cross, we can enter into the New Covenant where there is always access to forgiveness and freedom. Truth and love are what it is made of.
In order to be in truth and in love, we must build our faith onto the support beams of empathy, vulnerability, and accountability. Empathy is showing you understand another by feeling what they feel. Vulnerability is being real about where you are and available to collaborate with someone on building strength. When we add accountability or transparency so another can pour into you (and vice versa) with purpose, our faith can stand firm. Doing it alone simply will not suffice. How sweet to know though that we have a king who we can all find common ground in celebrating how he gave us life. All we need someone we can exchange a “maybe today” to with an assured grin. Now go rejoice in that.
Reflection
With whom might you need to connect for the purposes of supporting each other’s walk with the Lord?
What areas of your life or lifestyle might you need to open up about in order to build a stronger relationship and strengthen your own faith?
Prayer
Father God, I send you much praise for offering me forgiveness for my sinful nature through your once-and-for-all demonstration of love. I praise you for the chance to just know you and find freedom along with eternal life. Please guide me in sharing your truths and your powerful love with another. Please lead me to someone I can share the struggle with in this world. Thank you for already willingly and lovingly bearing my burdens. In your name Jesus, amen.
Port City writer Adam King wrote today’s devotional.
