This verse from Hebrews came to mind this week:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:24).

I decided to query my horse-loving, horse-owner/rider friend about the role of spurs. She explained that spurs are used to encourage the horse, to move it forward, or in another direction, or with more intensity. She described spurs as an extension of a rider’s legs that are used as an aid in training. She also warned they should be used appropriately. According to Webster, the verb form of spur means to urge or incite.

When we apply this to our Bible verse, I imagine believers giving each other that extra ‘nudge’ in the ribs or word of encouragement, a reminder to continue demonstrating acts of kindness and love. Instead of becoming complacent in our current form of ‘quarantine,’ may we contemplate how we can reach out, step out, text out, and look out beyond our own tiny world and spur on that friend, family member, neighbor, or fellow believer by sharing a word of encouragement or act or love.

Consider yourself nudged.