Day 28 — Growing Together

“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

— Hebrews 10:24–25 (BSB)

The giant redwood trees in California are some of the tallest living things on earth. Some are taller than a 30-story building! You might think trees that big would need incredibly deep roots. But redwood roots are actually quite shallow.

So how do they stay standing in storms? Their roots spread out wide and tangle together with the roots of the trees around them. Underground, the whole forest is holding on to each other. One redwood alone could topple over. A forest of redwoods stands strong for thousands of years.

God made His people to be like that. You weren’t meant to follow Jesus all by yourself. That’s why God gave us the church.

The church isn’t just a building. It’s God’s family: people of all ages who belong to Jesus, meeting together to worship, learn and help each other. And you are an important part of it, not just when you’re a grown-up, but right now.

Hebrews gives us two jobs to do for each other.

Spur one another on. A spur pokes a horse to get it moving. That sounds funny, but it means we help each other keep going: “Come on, you can do it!” When a friend is thinking about giving up on God, you can cheer them on.

Encourage one another. Everyone has hard days. When you notice someone sad or struggling, a kind word or a prayer can help more than you know.

The writer also says, “Let us not neglect meeting together.” Some people stop going to church because they’re busy or bored. But when you pull away from God’s family, your roots can dry out. When you stay connected, you grow stronger together.

Think about it: Who is someone at your church who helps you grow? Who is someone you could encourage?

Try this: This week at church (or with a Christian friend), encourage someone. Tell them something you appreciate about them, or ask how you can pray for them.

Dear God, thank You for my church family. Thank You that I don’t have to grow alone. Help me encourage others and cheer them on to love and good deeds. Help me stay connected to Your people, like roots holding on together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.