Who Have You Provoked Lately?

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. —Hebrews 10:24

Usually the word “provoke” is used in a negative sense in the Bible. But it could also be used in a positive way. To provoke someone means to stimulate or incite someone to do something or feel something. While we should avoid provoking someone to anger (Dt. 4:25; Col. 3:21), we should always be looking for ways to provoke others to “love and good works.”

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth concerning their zeal in taking part in a giving a special offering— “your zeal hath provoked very many” (2 Corinthians 9:2). The Corinthians zeal in giving this special offering incited many others to give also. It was David’s zeal towards the service of the house of God that prompted the rest of Israel to dedicate themselves also (read 1 Chron. 29:3-9).

Who have you provoked lately “unto love and good works?” Has your example provoked anyone to Bible Study… faithful church attendance… to pray more… to give more… to witness more… to serve Jesus more… to be more dedicated to the Lord?