Don’t Forsake the Assembly

? Bible Devotional: Don’t Forsake the Assembly
by Don Vess

Scripture Focus

Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His returning is drawing near.

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Devotional Message

There is an urgency in the hour we are living in. The signs of the Lord’s return are everywhere, and Scripture warns us not to ignore these times or to slip into spiritual complacency. More than ever before, we need strength, stability, encouragement, and the fellowship of other believers.

But when believers struggle, face discouragement, or feel spiritually behind, the temptation is often to withdraw—to stay home, isolate, or hide the battles they are struggling to overcome. Yet this is exactly when we need the Body of Christ the most. The Greek word for forsake (egkataleipontes) paints a picture of someone who feels “out, down, and behind.” Instead of running toward the church for encouragement, many run away from the very people God designed to help them.

God commands us not to forsake gathering together because He knows what isolation does to the human soul. He calls us to meet so we can strengthen one another through encouragement—parakaleo—coming alongside each other with courage, truth, love, and support. In ancient times, this was the word commanders used when rallying soldiers before battle. It was the charge to stand tall, face the enemy, and fight with bravery.

This is what believers are called to do for one another.

When you come to church, you don’t come just to receive—you also come to give: to offer encouragement, to support those who are struggling, and to help carry the burdens of those who feel weak or overwhelmed. The body grows stronger when each part does its special work.

Ephesians 4:16 NLT says:
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

We need more than weekly maintenance—we need real fellowship, like the believers in Acts who met daily, prayed together, worshiped together, shared meals, and supported one another. Their unity brought miracles, strength, and daily growth.

When we walk alone, temptation grows stronger. But when we walk together, sin loses its grip, because we have people around us who encourage, pray, restore, and help us walk on the right path.

James 5:16-20 AMP reminds us to confess our faults to one another, pray for one another, lift up one another, and restore those who have wandered. And Galatians 6:1-2 NLT calls us to restore gently, humbly, and lovingly—to carry each other’s burdens in obedience to Christ.

The church must be a safe place—not a place of condemnation, but a place of healing where the wounded can find restoration and where the fallen can be lifted back up into the arms of grace.

You need the Body of Christ—and the Body of Christ needs you.

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Reflection Questions
1.Have you ever avoided church or fellowship because you felt discouraged or “behind”?
2.Who has God placed on your heart to encourage, strengthen, or pray for?
3.What steps can you take to engage more intentionally in fellowship, small groups, or spiritual friendships?

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Takeaway
•Don’t forsake the assembly—you need the strength of the Body.
•Encourage one another—your words may be the lifeline someone needs.
•Keep your eyes on the sky—the day of the Lord is drawing near.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for the Body of Christ. Help me not to withdraw when I feel weak, discouraged, or overwhelmed. Bring people into my life who will encourage me, and help me be someone who strengthens others. Unite us in love, restore the hurting, and prepare our hearts as we await Your soon return. In Jesus’ name, amen.