Called Alongside to Comfort

For the last two weeks, we have been studying Hebrews 10:24-25. Verse 25 reads, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” What causes people to neglect meeting together? As I heard one person state, “It’s a lack of priorities. You don’t neglect what is important to you.” So what should we do when we meet together? This verse says we should encourage one another. This oft-used word in the New Testament is parakaleo which means to call alongside. It carries several meanings: to comfort, to exhort, to encourage. All three of these meanings apply to this verse. We should comfort, exhort, and encourage others when we meet together as a church. 
 
First, we will see the activity of being called alongside to comfort. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 there are three “comforting reminders” we should share with hurting people when we meet together.
 
1. Remind them what God is to them, v. 3.
2. Remind them what God does for them, v. 4a.
3. Remind them what God does through them, v. 4b.
 
Romans 12:15 commands us, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” When we meet together, be a minister of comfort.