Spurring One Another On: The Power of Holy Encouragement
In our Christian walk, we often focus on personal growth, but Scripture reminds us that faith was never meant to be a solo journey. The sacred, messy, and beautiful act of “one anothering” is essential to our spiritual development. It’s the opposite of “me-firsting” – it’s how we live life together as the people of God.
What Does It Mean to “Spur One Another On”?
In Hebrews 10:24-25, we find a powerful instruction: “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.”
This letter was written to Jewish Christians facing persecution. Their gathering wasn’t arbitrary or merely traditional—it was essential for survival and thriving as God’s people in a hostile world. Together isn’t optional; it’s essential.
The writer of Hebrews gives three “let us” statements that frame our purpose:
- Let us draw near (worship)
- Let us hold fast (encouragement)
- Let us spur one another on (provoking to action)
These instructions have both individual and communal dimensions. We’re called to show up not just because we’re “supposed to” but because we belong. There’s a significant difference between obligation and belonging.
What Does It Mean to “Spur” Someone?
The Greek word used here is “paroxymos,” which means to spur, encourage, provoke, or irritate. Think of a horseback rider using spurs—not to cause pain, but to apply pressure that guides the horse in the right direction. It’s not punishment; it’s communication through gentle pressure.
This is what we’re called to be for one another: holy agitators, divine disturbers who awaken faith. We all need people who push us closer to Christ because our natural tendency is to become comfortable where we are.
When we become too comfortable, our faith begins to shrink. We need those “holy irritants” who lovingly challenge us to grow.
Why Do We Need to Be Spurred On?
When we spur one another:
- It wakes us up spiritually
- It shapes our character
- It dislodges fear
- It helps us see ourselves clearly
- It fans the flame of faith
- It connects us as authentic community
- It bears fruit in this world
But when we don’t:
- We drift toward apathy
- We stay trapped in shame
- We miss opportunities to grow
- We leave the door closed to others
- We default to comfort over calling
- We miss seeing the kingdom breaking in
- Our faith begins to shrink and dry up
What Can We Learn from Esther’s Story?
One of the most beautiful examples of “paroxymos” is found in the story of Esther. She was chosen for her beauty and learned to survive by remaining hidden (her name even means “concealed”). When a death decree threatened all Jews, her cousin Mordecai challenged her with these famous words:
“Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
This was a holy provocation—a stirring that wouldn’t allow her to remain silent. Torn between safety and courage, Esther was spurred to action, responding, “If I perish, I perish.”
Mordecai was a holy irritant. Esther needed Mordecai’s voice, but the world needed Esther’s. The moment of provocation led to deliverance.
How Can We Spur Others Toward Christ?
Our purpose in gathering isn’t to be comfortable but to be a furnace of holy encouragement. We’re called to consider specific ways to spur others toward love and good deeds.
This isn’t about flattery or coddling—it’s about love that provokes and spurs, reaching across fear to awaken faith. Like Esther, we may need to be spurred from comfort to courage.
Life Application
Take time this week to reflect on these questions:
- Who stirs you? Who in your life pushes you to grow more like Christ? Have you thanked them recently?
- Who have you stirred? Whose faith journey have you impacted through encouragement or gentle challenge?
- Who will you spur on? Who around you needs your encouragement right now as they follow Jesus?
Consider texting someone today with these simple words: “You encourage me to be more like Jesus. Thank you.” Write down the names of people who need your encouragement, put them in your phone, and pray for opportunities to spur them toward Christ.
When you show up at church or in your small group, come not just to receive but to spur others toward love and good works. Don’t just be in the room—be the reason someone else stays faithful.
Remember, together isn’t optional—it’s essential. We need each other to become more like Jesus.