How can we “consider one another” (Hebrews 10:24)?

Hebrews 10:24 states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (NKJV). A key word is consider. To consider others means thinking about their needs before our own. In Philippians 2:4, the apostle Paul writes, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (ESV). Looking to the interests of others is how we can care for and consider one another. The question is not only “What do I need?” but “What does my brother or sister need?”

We often focus on our own feelings, interests, and desires; however, God calls us to uphold a higher standard. We should think of ways to encourage and “stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24, ESV). To “stir up” someone means to ignite a fire within him or her to follow Christ’s example of love and humility (Philippians 2:5–11).

Love and good works are not abstract or empty concepts but practical expressions of genuine faith. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Love and good works, then, naturally flow from faith. How can we stir one another to love and good works? How can we consider one another?

Considering one another begins with cultivating relationships. Without regular fellowship, we cannot stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:25). Since we are God’s family, we must know each other personally and bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). If we are not present in each other’s lives, how can we fulfill the law of Christ?

A community does not form accidentally or spontaneously. Therefore, we must make space for others and seek opportunities to encourage them. An effective way to consider others is by asking them how they are doing and actually listening to the response. Offering an encouraging word with Scripture is another way to support others.

In Romans 12:10, Paul instructs us to “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (ESV). Honoring one another and considering one another are related. We should respect everyone as an image bearer of God (see Genesis 1:27). Considering one another means caring for others in a way that motivates them to trust and obey God.

Hebrews 10:24 is a command for the whole church. God did not call us to be isolated; we need each other and should actively participate in each other’s lives. For this reason, the writer of Hebrews tells us not to “neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25, NLT). Christian fellowship provides us with encouragement and accountability.

Paul describes the church as the body of Christ, with individual members contributing to the whole. He writes, “God has so composed the body . . . that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (1 Corinthians 12:24–26, ESV). As members of Christ’s body, we must consider one another, prompting one another to love and good works.

Considering one another means caring for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. This requires intentional relationships in which we seek opportunities to encourage and motivate one another toward love and good works. The outcome is a community that reflects God’s heart. In this community, we are participants, not spectators, so we must continue to urge one another to trust and obey Christ as we await His return.