Fan the Flame: Stirring One Another to Love and Good Works

Article by Jeremiah Riner

In our fast-paced, often isolating world, it’s easy to forget that the Christian life was never meant to be lived in solitude. While personal devotion and private time with the Lord are essential, Scripture continually points us toward something more: community, accountability, and encouragement. One verse that captures this truth so well is Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

What does it mean to “stir up” one another? The Greek word used here, paroxysmos, actually suggests a strong urging—almost to provoke someone or some thing. This isn't just a gentle nudge. It's a deliberate, passionate effort to inspire our fellow believers toward action, toward love, and toward the kind of good works that glorify God and serve others.

This verse is a call to intentionally spiritual. It challenges us to look beyond our own walk with the Lord and actively invest in the lives of others. In a world where people are often tempted to drift into apathy or self-focus, God calls His people to be a type of fuel—encouragers who stir up holy passion and perseverance in others.

So how do we live this out in a modern context?

First, we must "consider" just as the verse says. That means we take time to think deeply about the people around us. What are their struggles? What are their gifts? Where are they discouraged, or perhaps growing weary in well-doing? Maybe someone in your Sunday School class feels left out. Maybe a brother or sister is burdened with ministry work and just needs someone to say, “Keep going—you’re making a difference.”

Stirring one another up might look like:

• Writing a note or sending a text/email of encouragement to a friend faithfully serving behind the scenes.

• Kindly meeting or talking with someone who’s drifting away from church gatherings and the Lord's Day worship.

• Celebrating acts of obedience and love, no matter how small.

• Joining in on a church ministry project and inviting others along.

• Praying with someone, not just for them.

• Recognizing someone for their faithful parenting or God-honoring marriage.

And here’s the best part: when we stir others, we ourselves are stirred. Encouragement is contagious. Obedience is often inspiring. When we actively engage in building each other up, the body of Christ becomes stronger, more united, and brighter in its witness to the world.

We must also remember this: good works do not earn us salvation. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. But good works are the fruit of that salvation. They are the outward expression of a heart that has been transformed by Jesus. As Martin Luther famously said, "God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does." And in a world that desperately needs to see and hear the love of Jesus, our good works become a testimony of His goodness and a massive help to others around us; especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So, let us not grow weary. Let us not isolate ourselves. Instead, let us be people who stir one another up, who fan the flame of faith in each other, and who are quick to point our fellow believers toward love, toward action, and ultimately—toward Jesus.

May God help us to be a church that doesn’t settle for passive faith. Let it be said that we are a church that stirs hearts, encourages hands, and reflects the light of Christ wherever we go.

Jeremiah Riner is the pastor of Calvary Bible Church in Duffield, VA and the host of the Deeply Rooted Podcast. Along with his lovely wife, Morgan they are are the proud parents of Everly and Judah and reside in Mount Carmel, TN.