Provoke and Consider

Two thoughts from Hebrews 10:24, a recent reading: "spur, encourage, stir, motivate" one another to good deeds. The word paroxusmos is translated in KJV and other versions as provoke. Of course we don't appreciate being provoked, but the writer is saying that the goal of this kind of provocation is to move us towards love and good deeds. So wisdom is needed when we decide to be the provokers.

Later in the same chapter, the author reminds readers of the suffering they've endured and warns them not to throw away their confidence. Confidence in this setting means freedom or boldness in public speech.

Events from the past summer have provoked many of us to rescue our confidence from the dumpster and speak, sticking up for those who through illness or abuse can't raise their heads high enough above the milieu to breathe. And we all know that provoking one another to look at social structures too often results in stubborn or angry or even violent responses--typical when we feel the ground shift. But the goal or result or hope of Hebrews 10:24 for wise provocation based on love results in acts of kindness, justice, mercy, and generosity. We like those things when they are directed at us, but feel discomfort when "provoked" to share. 

As I considered this verse, I thought of the peaceable kingdom, characterized by the most unlikely of creatures who come to rest side by side. Unless there's something wrong with us, we all desire peace. But our own peace is often disturbed when the order we're used to is disturbed. Our tendency is to argue and dig in and double down to what we think has worked for us. 

Is it possible when experiencing provocation to maintain our peace? To give thought to another opinion? Is it possible in these difficult discussions for the lion of to keep from eating the lamb? To be open to another way of thinking; can we possibly try to give ourselves to what the author of Hebrews 10:24 seems to be provoking us to do?

How about this as a motto: PEOTTA--Provoke Each Other To Think Again.