When we gather together.

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV

The words, “Not neglecting to meet together,” especially when translated, “Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves” have been separated from the preceding verse and used to bully people into Sunday church attendance. However, when we consider the context clues in these verses, I believe these words are to encourage believers to gather together--because God does something beautiful and powerful when we gather together.

I have experienced Hebrews 10:24-25 more as an ethic, an invitation to community and deep relationships filled with love, joy, laughter, tears, care, concern, etc, etc. Every time we gather as a body of believers, whether as two or three on the prayer line or one hundred in sanctuary on Sunday morning, God reminds me how much we grow and develop in community. Together is where and how God desires we be stirred to love in a world where we are often battered by the storms of life. Together is where and how God desires we be provoked to good works in a world filled with indifference and evil. Together was and always will be where God uses each of us to bring out the best in each other so that we can fulfill our mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

God has amazing ministry ahead of us! I have a God-sized vision for the thriving of this church and community dancing deep in my soul that I know will come to pass with the leading of the Holy Spirit and the productive provocation to love and good works when we gather together as a body of believers. Let’s continue to show up, gathering together, and watch our God show out!

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah