And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, NIV)
We should think about each other to see how we can encourage each other to show love and do good works. – (Hebrews 10:24, ERV)
Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds. – (Hebrews 10:24, VOICE)
Yesterday was an “off” day at school. A few of my students who have the propensity to struggle with everyday expectations, each had a difficult day. I am not sure whether it can be attributed to the full moon, the numerous guest teachers on campus, the changing seasons, or perhaps an off day due to a wrench in their normal routine, but whatever the cause, the challenge remained and I was extraordinarily grateful for colleagues who are kind and encouraging. Thankfully, I learned long ago to not take a student’s display of distress, personally. Rather, it sets me on a path of seeking to discover more of what motivates and helps calm the child best, so that I might better anticipate and diffuse potential outbursts on a day that they are struggling. Both the presence of para-educators and an interpreter, and later that of administrators who were looking for students, became a source of help that inspired me to greater love, despite my temporary frustration. Sometimes, just knowing that someone else sees the reality of what has taken place, is enough to feel validated in the moment and motivation to let go and move on. There is no “perfect” in humanity. We will always irritate and frustrate, as we as become irritated and frustrated by others. What we do with it matters most. When we choose to love and extend grace, even when it is seemingly undeserved, we are offering the very thing that we have been given through life in Christ. May we ever seek the Lord to be our strength, so that we may choose to love and do good works, always.
Help us consider, 
How to choose to love;
To do the good works,
We’re called to get done.
Love is not about,
How much it’s deserved;
But rather a choice,
We choose as we serve.
At our very worst,
God still loves with grace;
So too, we should love,
The whole human race.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us no matter how we come or what we have done. Thank You that Your grace covers our shortcomings. Forgive us for the times that we do not choose love or good works, despite the clear call that You have given. Teach us to trust and rely on You for the strength and endurance to love even when it is challenging. Show us how to love those who are struggling in practical ways that help them understand goodness and grace, and to encourage others to do the same. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love and do good, encouraging one another as we are encouraged by You, according to Your perfect plan to which we are called. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth (Moreno) Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
The second is equally important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” No other commandment is greater than these. – Mark 12:31
Revelations In Writing 