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“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

From the very first words of these verses—“Let us”—we see that a consistent hope is not something we muster up from within. Hope is sustained in a faith community where we share the true knowledge that has been given to us by the one and only faithful God. Because each of us walks through different highs and lows, at different times, we are called to think intentionally about how we can encourage one another toward love and active, tangible good works.

Part of loving one another well is noticing when someone has been absent from our gatherings and gently following up—not out of pressure, but out of genuine care. Scripture reminds us that being together is essential to a healthy, growing faith. And when life feels especially difficult or uncertain—when we sense increased pressure, trial, or tribulation—the communal nature of our hope becomes even more important. We need each other!

This passage is a fitting conclusion to our week focusing on Advent Hope, because it turns our eyes outward. Hope is never meant to settle quietly inside us—it is meant to be shared, demonstrated, and lived out in community.

As you light your Advent candle today, or as you pause to reflect on this week, think of someone in your church family who could use encouragement. Plan one intentional act of love or service for them this week. Let it be your worship—an expression of hope poured out one the feet of the people He has placed around you.

May the hope of Christ stir us toward one another, and toward every good work, as we eagerly await His coming.