How can we spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)?

from the old testament

• We spur each other on by reminding each other of God’s faithfulness. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were repeatedly commanded to remember what God had done so they would remain faithful. Moses told Israel, “Take care lest you forget the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11). When we remind one another of God’s character, promises, and past faithfulness, we strengthen each other to continue trusting and obeying Him.
  
• We spur each other on by speaking God’s truth into each other’s lives. God instructed His people to teach His ways continually: “You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Encouragement is not simply positive words. It is speaking words that help others see life through the truth of God’s Word and calling them toward faithfulness.
  
• We spur each other on by loving correction and wise counsel. Proverbs teaches that godly relationships help sharpen and strengthen us: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). A faithful friend does not simply agree with everything; they lovingly challenge others toward wisdom, righteousness, and obedience.
  
• We spur each other on by encouraging faithfulness, even when obedience is difficult. Moses encouraged Joshua before leading Israel into the Promised Land: “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land” (Deuteronomy 31:7). Sometimes people need others to remind them that God is with them when following Him feels difficult.
  
• We spur each other on by carrying each other’s burdens and meeting practical needs. God commanded Israel to care for those in need, including the poor, widows, and strangers (Deuteronomy 15:7–11; 24:19–22). Love becomes visible through action, which encourages us to press on and to be the hands and feet of Jesus for others, too. 
  
• We spur one another on by gathering together around God’s purposes. God repeatedly gathered His people to hear His Word, worship, and renew their commitment to Him (Joshua 24:14–25; Nehemiah 8:1–12). Faith grows when people regularly gather and remind each other of what matters most.

from the new testament

• We spur each other on by intentionally noticing how others need encouragement. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” To spur someone on requires intentionality. It means paying attention to others, seeing their struggles, recognizing their gifts, and looking for ways to help them grow.
  
• We spur each other on as we make community a priority. We are told: “not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Christian growth was never designed to happen alone. Living in community helps us remember what is important and live well, pursuing it.
• We spur each other on by reminding each other of the gospel. The greatest motivation for love and good deeds is not guilt but grace. Because Christ loved us first, we are empowered to love others (1 John 4:19). We encourage each other by reminding ourselves of who we are in Christ and what He has done for us. It's easy to get focused on aspects of identity that are not true or ultimate. Reminding ourselves of the gospel helps us remember who we really are, which in turn affects how we live. 
  
• We spur each other on by encouraging one another to use our gifts. Every believer has been uniquely gifted to serve the body of Christ (Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–27). We encourage others by noticing God’s work in them, calling out their strengths, and helping them use their gifts faithfully.
• We spur each other on through words that build up. Paul commands, “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Our words can either discourage people or strengthen them.
• We spur each other on by challenging each other toward love, not comfort. Encouragement is not simply making people feel better; it is helping them become more like Jesus. Paul urged believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work” (Colossians 1:10). Sometimes love means encouraging someone to take a step of obedience they would rather avoid.
  
• We spur each other on through accountability and restoration.  Loving community does not ignore struggles; it helps people return to God’s path with humility and grace. Galatians 6:1–2 teaches believers to restore those caught in sin and carry one another’s burdens.
• We spur each other on by serving alongside each other. Love grows when believers actively participate in God’s work together. Jesus modeled this by serving His disciples and calling them to serve others (John 13:12–17). There is strength in numbers!
• We spur each other on by practicing humility and putting others first. Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Count others more significant than yourselves.” Encouragement begins when we stop focusing only on our own growth and start asking how we can help others become more faithful followers of Jesus.
• We spur each other on by celebrating progress, not expecting perfection. Spiritual growth is a process. Paul encouraged believers by recognizing God’s work in them while also calling them toward greater maturity (Philippians 1:3–6). We help others grow when we do the same, affirming what God is doing while encouraging continued faithfulness.
• We spur each other on by loving like Jesus. Jesus said the world would know His followers by their love for one another (John 13:35). The greatest way to motivate others toward love and good deeds is to personally demonstrate the sacrificial, humble, and servant-hearted love of Christ. When we see others pursue loving God and loving others, we are encouraged to do the same in the opportunities God has given us.

implications for today

Life is full of things that distract or discourage us. We may start something with great passion only to grow weary, lose focus, become overwhelmed, or begin to believe the lie that our faithfulness doesn't matter. That is why God never intended us to follow Jesus alone. We need people who will remind us of the truth, encourage us when we are struggling, challenge us when we are drifting, and inspire us to keep loving God and serving others.

Spurring each other on to love and good deeds is a beautiful call for those who follow Christ. It means we look for ways to intentionally encourage each other to keep looking to Jesus and to run the race of life that He has given us faithfully. It can look like texting a prayer, a Bible verse, or specific encouragement. It can look like asking someone how you can specifically pray for them and then maybe praying for them on the spot. It can look like inviting a friend to go for a walk and see where God is growing them and what He is showing them. It also looks like lovingly asking the hard questions they need to hear. And here's the thing—don't assume someone else will be the one to encourage others—you do it! God may have put them in your life for that very reason.

The best way to inspire others to love and to do good is to model it yourself. Living faithfully for Jesus is contagious. When people see you trusting God in hardship, speaking truth with love, confessing your own struggles, serving with the gifts He has given you, and putting others before yourself, they are encouraged to do the same. Let's spur each other on, remembering we are not alone!