Hebrews 10:24-25 English Standard Version (ESV) ²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

In ancient times connection was a primary need for survival. The tribal mentality demanded loyalty as a motive for survival of the community. It may have shifted away from that primary need but is still alive today and thriving in stadiums around the world. Common interests make for communal bonding and rivalries.

Connections can be personal in groups as small as two. The primary emotion is loneliness. Isolation is a form of punishment. Self-imposed isolation is dangerous to the soul and society.

Fellowship is meant to be healthy for everyone. The Christianity offers the widest variety and opportunity to meet the emotional needs for connection by the healthiest means. This is not to say that good works cannot be achieved by other gatherings, clubs and organizations. It is only meant to glorify God and not the effort.

Good works abound in many arenas of life. No one should dismiss the efforts to do good by organizations that gather likeminded peoples to achieve a worthy goal. Since this is a Christian devotional I seek to glorify God. The need for community is not restricted to religious gatherings.

We are a multifaceted people and we can care about more than one issue. How much emotional satisfaction is connected to community is personal. You can make it your life’s work to the point of neglect in every other aspect of your life.

What have we sacrificed to achieve satisfaction in emotional connections?

Genesis 4:5 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.

Getting into the emotional need for respect finds its roots early in the bible. I chose the AMPC version for the clarity of understanding for the underlying meaning of respect in the Hebrew word sha’ah. It means to look upon, show interest, examine, inspect. Regard is a clear meaning left out of many translations.

What is overlooked by Cain in his emotional state is that God is looking upon the sacrifice, regarding it, not his brother Abel. There is a personal attachment to effort that is not meant to exist. God is looking at the sacrifice without judgment of Abel or Cain. It is all about the sacrifice.

Respect is closely tied to the emotional need for value or being valued. Here it exposes the emotional aspects of being ignored. Being disrespected cuts deeper than being undervalued. It says you are not worthy of consideration, you are ignored. It cuts into the bonds in relationship.

Romans 2:11 English Standard Version (ESV) For God shows no partiality.

God only looks at the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. If you are in Christ it is because of that sacrifice, not because of what you have said or done. We as emotional beings give value to those things we do and demand respect we do not deserve. We give ourselves credit for who we have become when the truth is we only became sons and daughters of God because of the sacrifice we accepted.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Why should the recipient of a gift take credit for the gift?