Hebrews 10:24 “…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.”

The older I get the more I realize how much people need each other. This is true in all sorts of ways and particularly when it comes to growing spiritually. God has created us to live in relationship with Him and others and it is crucial for our health and well-being.

Many celebrations have occurred in the past week. Friends and families gathered together to celebrate the advent of the New Year. Our family’s activities were a bit laid back but nevertheless enjoyable and fun. After eating delicious calzones prepared by Luke and Brianna we settled in for a night of Rocky.

As we viewed the first installment of the epic motion picture series, I was struck by one line. As the hero, played by Sylvester Stallone, explained his love for Adrian to those who were questioning his attraction, he said, “She has gaps and I have gaps. Together we fill gaps.”

What a true statement! All of us have areas of strengths and areas of weakness. But through love and encouragement we can help fill in each other’s gaps. This should be a goal of all Christians, not only because we want to, but because God tells us to. We must commit to meeting together regularly so we can stimulate each other to grow in love and good deeds. This encouragement is so important especially as time goes on and the world grows farther and farther from God.

As we gathered at church on New Year’s Day, Pastor Craig also pointed out this truth. While sharing the importance of developing a plan for Bible reading and prayer in the New Year, he admitted the difficulty of being consistent in this discipline. Our busy lives often derail the best of intentions. But one way to keep these crucial priorities intact is to connect with others for the purpose of accountability. By admitting our gaps and embracing others who also have gaps, we can together remain strong in our resolutions.

As we enter the new year, why not consider how we can encourage each other to remain strong in the Lord? After all, I have gaps and you have gaps. But together we can fill gaps. — Love, Mama