Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 13Let mutual love continue. Verse 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Verse 3Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Verse 4Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Verse 5Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Verse 6So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Verse 7Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Verse 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Verse 15Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Verse 16Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Devotion
Similar to yesterday’s psalm, this passage begins with a series of guidelines for faithful living. Jesus’ followers are to love one another, welcome strangers, visit prisoners, be faithful in marriage, be content with their financial resources, and finally remember and imitate their past leaders. While this list challenges and inspires us, it is God’s attendant promise that gives us strength. Each time we fall short, we remember that God has told us: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We are able to share mutual affection with one another because we know that God is continually sharing that love with us. Yesterday, today, and forever will be just enough time to begin to appreciate the vastness of God’s love for all humanity. Yesterday, today, and forever we are invited to praise the God whose name we confess, and honor God through lives well-lived.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, may our actions honor you, our words praise you, and our lives demonstrate the love you share so freely with us. Amen.
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