Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
During my time at the shelter, I have found great value in continuing to build relationships with guys who have graduated or left the program. This is why God designed it so that we could join together. The time offers a renewal of hope, encouragement, friendship, fellowship, and accountability. Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. The Scripture rings true. Which also means the flip side is obvious. If you hang around negative influences, or seek too much solitude, you will be dragged back down from whence you came. Build positive relationships and they will make you a more spiritually healthy person.
Stephen and I have such a relationship. Stephen graduated our program and continued to stay in touch. Sometimes with positive news; sometimes not. Point is, he stayed connected. During a lull in shelter life, I had no one there to minister to. Seizing the opportunity, I began going to Stephen’s lake house on mornings I’d already reserved for the shelter. There, on his screened in back porch, we would have Bible study, share thoughts and stories, and sip on massive quantities of coffee. By the end of our time together, the sun peeked over the distant trees, illuminating the lake and surrounding us with its glorious light. Weekly, I would be reminded not only of the value of brotherly fellowship, but of God’s beauty and creativity in nature. Perhaps the most beautiful things about the visits was the circle of God’s love being completed. When you reach out to bless others, God (and they) always end up blessing you more. It did me as much good (maybe more) than it did for Stephen.
You will not always be in the program surrounded by other soul-seeking men and positive influences all of the time. But it is important for both you and your recovery to seek out people and times where mutual relationship, encouragement, and compassion are displayed. This is what made Jesus and the disciples close and strong. And it will be what will keep us close and strong.
Discussion Questions
1. What type of influence are you on others? Do people draw encouragement (or discouragement) from you?
2. What are some practical ways to surround yourself with positive people and influences?
3. What, if anything, prevents you from reaching out and meeting with others? Pray that GOD remove those hindrances so you may do so.
