Let brotherly love continue!

Jun 2, 2023

The author of the book of Hebrews is not specifically identified, but most ascribe it to the Apostle Paul because of its writing style and its theological consistency with his other epistles. 


Some assign the authorship to Barnabas and others consider the idea that this epistle was a message given by Apostle Paul and put into written form by Luke, the physician. 


We may not agree with its human authorship, but one important fact we are so certain about is that it was given by the Holy Spirit to teach, remind, empower, rebuke, and to make known unto us the whole counsel of God.


Lesson/Application:

Chapter 13 begins with the message to love one other. Paul mentions here the specific recipients of the Love that we all received freely when we got saved. Because of His love, every child of God has the opportunity and the peivilege to love others. This is the “agape” love that is expected to mature, grow, and bear fruits of righteousness for God’s glory. 


Notice the recipients or objects of our love the Apostle Paul presents in this passage. 


1.Love and entertain strangers. We should open our hearts to them. They represent those who are not with us and for us:

•Includes the love for the lost by sharing the gospel

•Involves loving our neighbors by reaching out to them

•It encourages is to love those who hate us and those we consider our enemies for this love has power to love unconditionally

•It makes us aware to love even the total strangers for they may be angels sent to try us


2.Love and remember those who suffer adversity and in bonds. (They represent the slaves and servants during their time)

•We must show Love and care to those who are afflicted: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

•We must Love those who are bound to many different forms of addiction to help set them free

•We must Love them as if we are bound with them. This is empathetic relationship. 

•We must Love them by carrying their sorrows and being acquainted with their griefs


3.Love and honor marriage and stay faithful and true to all our commitments

•Honor our commitment with our spouse

•Honor our commitment to our children and raise them children right

•Honor our commitment by not allowing sinful behavior into any relationship.


Conclusion:

Hebrews 13:5 KJV

[5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.


The word “conversation” refers to our lifestyle, attitude, our manner of communication, and our testimony. It means that whatever we say, do, think, emote, decide, and whoever we associate with deliver a message of who we really are. 


The love that the Lord showed and have is without covetousness or a hint of selfishness. It helps us accept and be satisfied with what God allows and whatever He gives us. This condition is tagged with His wonderful promise of eternal companionship, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” 


Finally, the only way we can love and prove our love for God is to show it by loving the people and the thinkgs He loves. 


“How can we say we love God who is invisible if we cannot even love people who are visible.”