Hebrews 10:15–25 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

“And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.”  What a comforting, soul-renewing and refreshing thought to start the day. Yes, I have the laws of God in my heart, which tell me how He wants me to live. But I also have the assurance that all my sin has been forgiven and forgotten by the Almighty for Jesus’ sake. He took care of the bill. So those laws in my heart are not a requirement for my salvation. Rather, they tell me how I should live because I have already been saved by Jesus.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

 We need to remember that we are in this together with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our relationship with Jesus is not just a private matter. We are part of the body of Christ and should not live as though we are all alone in this.

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 The congregation I served before my retirement had started streaming our services online long before Covid 19 hit. We did it for our shut-ins, those traveling, and to allow someone who was ill to still be part of the worship services. It was never intended to replace actually gathering together. While a video chat is great, it will never be as good as being in the same location with others. The body of Christ needs each other. We need to gather together for face-to-face interaction. That is the best way to encourage each other and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

If you are someone who has avoided gathering together in worship with your family of faith, consider getting back into the habit. Not only will you have the chance to encourage others, but you can be encouraged yourself to live as one who has the victory over sin and death that Jesus earned for you.