The early church grew because individual members were zealous in reaching out to one another and to others. Our greatest need today is not bigger church programs, promotional gimmicks and appeals to the flesh, but for the same spirit that filled the hearts of first century Christians.

Self motivation is a product of personal response to the blessings enjoyed in Christ. When we appreciate the kindness of God, shown in the gift of His Son, we are motivated to share those blessings with others. “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another...We love Him because He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:9-11,19). True love for God produces true commitment to Him. True love for one another produces true commitment to one another.

The desire to reach out to others is an expression of concern for them and a communication of appreciation for the blessings we enjoy. In the parables in Luke  chapter 15, Jesus said that the shepherd went and looked for the sheep that was lost and the woman swept the house in searching for the lost coin. Paul’s “desire and prayer to God” for his Jewish brethren was that they may experience the same spiritual blessings that he enjoyed.

     The determination to reach out to others—both brethren and those who are not our brethren—is an expression of obedient faith. Paul said, “But since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed and therefore I spoke, we also believe and therefore speak” (2 Cor. 4:13). Failure to speak  indicates a lack of faith! The unbelievers are converted and the believers  are edified through our speaking.

Brethren in Ephesus encouraged Apollos, when he wanted to go to Achaia, and wrote a letter commending him (Acts 18:27). Paul told the Philippians, “if (since there is) any consolation (encourage-ment) in Christ” they should make his joy cup full by being of one mind (Phil. 2:1). There is a powerful appeal for those in Christ to be of one mind, letting “nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (v. 3). Disciples should encourage one another to have “a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:11,12).

The exercise of reaching out to others by exhorting, or encouraging them, not only helps them, but also strengthens the one doing the exercise.