Hebrews 13:1-6
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
The author teaches us to love one another. How do we love one another. Firstly, we need to show hospitality to strangers. Seeing God's love fill our hearts, we need to share His love with those around us. Especially in the ancient times, travelers often have no place to stay. The Lord used this analogy to praise some of his faithful servants, saying, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I needed clothes and you clothed me." These servants asked him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you needing clothes and clothe you?" The Lord replied, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we show hospitality to strangers, we are receiving the Lord. We have even shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Secondly, we need to remember those in prison. We need to remember those who are trapped by all kinds of worries and fears, not to judge them or rebuke them, but to show them compassion and pray for them. Ask the Spirit of God to release them, so that they may be free.
Thirdly, we need to honor marriage. This does not only apply to the married couples, but also to the singles. Sex before marriage is dishonoring marriage. We need to ask God to help us to resist temptations in this area.
Fourthly, do not be a lover of money. This does not mean that money is evil, it is referring to the love of money. The Bible says that those who love money are greedy, and are worshipping idols. May God help us to reject the temptation of all evils. On the other hand, we should not be afraid because the Lord said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." We can boldly declare, "The Lord is our help, I shall not fear." When we have such confidence and assurance in God, we can extend the love of God to others. Are you willing to live out such a life of loving others today?
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, may your spirit encourage us and touch us with your love. Let us learn to be hospitable towards strangers in our lives and also remember those who are in prison. Let us respect the institution of marriage and not be a lover of money. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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