Read Hebrews 10:22-24
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (v. 24).
Contrary to the opinion of many of my friends and relatives, I crave solitude. I love to work and enjoy being with people, but my quiet hours are a treasure I guard carefully. I am actually giving some thought-time to the day when my wife no longer works evenings and I have to share my “alone” time once again!
As much as I enjoy working alone, I must heed this verse and the following one that indicate that we are to be busy with people — encouraging them, showing them how to love each other, living a life of good works before them.
One translation says that we are to think of ways to encourage each other to “outbursts” of good deeds! Based on this biblical mandate, we must not be merely passive examples of good works, but we must be actively involved with others, “provoking” them to practice good works. (Harold Carpenter)

Give ev'ry flying minute something to keep in store.
Work, for the night is coming, when man works no more.
— Annie L. Coghill

Exhort others to love and do good works today.
A Christian's faith should be evident to those
around him through the good works that he does.
Good works do not bring us salvation; salvation
brings us to good works.

This is the Monday, July 6, 2015 devotional entry of Opening the Word.