What Does Provoking One Another to Love and Good Works Look Like?
Outward Faith is Not Passive
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24
Genuine faith is not self-centered. Instead, it looks outward, seeking ways to love and serve others. True faith seeks to love others because it is rooted in the love God placed in our hearts at the moment of salvation. This love, planted by God, grows and becomes visible as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us (Romans 5:5). The more we participate in God’s work in our lives—through prayer, study, worship, and fellowship—the more evident this fruit of love becomes.
But outward faith isn’t something passive. Hebrews 10:24 challenges us to actively consider others. Let’s reflect on what this means.
Consider One Another
The imperative in this verse calls for careful thought and reflection. It’s not a casual or haphazard action. When we consider each other it is:
Not an Afterthought. Considering others isn’t something we do only when it’s convenient. It’s not an occasional, spur-of-the-moment idea.
Intentional and Deliberate. True consideration of others is purposeful. It requires planning, scheduling, and taking deliberate action. It involves asking, “What is in the best interest of my brother or sister?”
Applied with Wisdom and Discretion. Being thoughtful means using wisdom to understand how best to encourage, support, and provoke others toward love and good works.
When we take the time to consider others intentionally, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for encouraging and building up one another.
We Are to Provoke Love and Good Works
To “provoke” in this passage carries a sense of stirring up, stimulating, or even inciting action. It’s an active word that calls us to inspire and challenge others—not to irritation, but to greater acts of love and service.
To do this, we must:
Model Love and Service. Our own actions should serve as examples of love in practice.
Encourage and Challenge. We can offer words of encouragement, but also challenge others to step outside their comfort zones and live out their faith.
Sharpen and Refine. Like iron sharpening iron, our interactions with one another should refine our character and deepen our commitment to Christ.
Stay Engaged in Fellowship. One of the key ways we provoke one another to love and good works is by remaining engaged in fellowship. Isolation stifles growth, but being an active part of the body of Christ encourages mutual accountability and spiritual growth. (See Hebrews 10:25.) By gathering with our spiritual family, we open ourselves to opportunities to both give and receive encouragement. This is a vital part of living an outward faith.
Living an Outward Faith
An outward faith is intentional. It seeks opportunities to consider others carefully, provoke them to love and good works, and remain engaged in fellowship. This kind of faith glorifies God and strengthens the church as we grow together in love and service.
The New Testament calls Christians to actively engage in relationships that build each other up. But what does that look like in practice? The Scriptures provide us with a clear roadmap, guiding us in how to provoke one another toward love, good works, and mutual encouragement. Let’s explore some of these principles.
How We Provoke One Another
We love one another (1 John 4:11). Love is the foundation of all our interactions. This love is sacrificial, selfless, and reflective of God’s love for us.
We welcome one another (Romans 15:7). Acceptance and hospitality show that we value each other as Christ values us.
We have the same concern for each other (1 Corinthians 12:25). Genuine care for one another eliminates divisions and fosters unity.
We serve one another (1 Peter 4:10). Using our God-given gifts to serve others is an expression of love and humility.
We submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21). Mutual submission reflects reverence for Christ and creates harmony in relationships.
We pursue what is good for one another (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Seeking each other’s well-being demonstrates a Christlike attitude.
We are kind, compassionate, and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32). Forgiveness and compassion mirror the grace God has extended to us.
We assemble with one another (Hebrews 10:25). Regular fellowship strengthens our faith and encourages perseverance.
We encourage one another (Hebrews 3:13). Encouragement keeps us steadfast in faith and helps us combat sin.
We teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16). Sharing biblical wisdom builds understanding and accountability.
We speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19). Worshipping together uplifts our spirits and glorifies God.
We live in harmony with one another (Romans 15:5). Striving for unity reflects the character of Christ.
We are like-minded and live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). A peaceful community is a powerful testimony to the world.
We instruct one another (Romans 15:14). Sharing knowledge and wisdom strengthens our collective faith.
We honor one another (Romans 12:10). Treating others with respect and dignity shows Christ’s love.
We bear with one another (Colossians 3:13). Patience and tolerance are vital for maintaining unity.
We forgive one another (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness fosters reconciliation and healing.
We confess our sins to one another (James 5:16). Transparency and accountability help us grow spiritually.
We pray for one another (James 5:16). Intercessory prayer demonstrates love and concern for others.
We are hospitable to one another (1 Peter 4:9). Hospitality creates opportunities to share God’s grace.
What Is the Aim of Provoking One Another?
The ultimate goal of provoking one another is fourfold:
To glorify God. When we live in harmony and love, we reflect God’s character and bring Him glory.
To sustain and strengthen faith in Christ. Our interactions should encourage each other to remain faithful and grow spiritually.
To help each other avoid sin. Accountability and encouragement are powerful tools in resisting temptation.
To love people. Genuine love for others mirrors God’s love and fulfills His commandment.
By practicing these principles, we fulfill our calling to be a church that uplifts, strengthens, and glorifies God.
Let’s strive to provoke one another to love and good works in all that we do.