Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
“Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith. Nothing is more precious than peace, by which all war, both in heaven and earth, is brought to an end.”
Ignatius of Antioch (c.110) in To The Ephesians 1 (Roberts-Donaldson Translation).
For his Christian faith, Ignatius was arrested in Antioch and led from Antioch to Rome to face trial (c. 105-115). He visited disciples of Jesus along the way and wrote them letters to encourage them.
These letters — to the Smyrnaeans, Philadelphians, Romans, Trallians, Magnesians, and Ephesians — are part of a wonderful collection called The Apostolic Fathers.
In his letter to the Ephesians, he points the pathway to perpetual peace: assemble frequently. The evil one aims to divide and conquer. We must convene and celebrate victory.
I have a friend, perhaps you know people like him, who the evil one is trying to separate from the fold, convince him of lies, and destroy him. When I see him, I make it a point to speak truth.
Will he make it? I don’t know. But I know this. When I convene with my brothers at Bible study, or when I go to church, my faith grows stronger. When I find myself alone, my faith gets weak.
What’s this got to do with generosity? We must encourage everyone we know to assemble together with thankful hearts. In so doing, God will fill us with peace.
Know anyone that is isolated. Encourage them to join you in soaking in the generous love and peace of Christ. In so doing, you may just save their lives.