Merriam-Webster defines the word stimulate as "to excite to activity or growth or to greater activity." In context with the Book of Hebrews, the only way this is possible is if we are excited and passionate about Jesus Christ. It is one thing to desire to be more like Jesus. It is quite another to desire others to be like him. The former smacks of desiring holiness and sanctification for ourselves -- to be in God's display window. The latter implies we see beyond ourselves and want to see Christ formed in others.
Paul said that he travailed with birth pangs until Christ was formed in the Galatian church (Galatians 4:19). While it is of utmost importance we love the Lord and are formed into His image, it is equally if not more important we provoke one another to holiness.
Beloved, we are only as strong as our weakest link. May we encourage one another to show forth God's great love to those all around us.
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