November 12, 2024 - Hebrews 13

“Brotherly love must continue.  Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.  Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment” (13:1-3).  Oh my, the sweetness of a life lived for Jesus!  Not only does he receive great honor but others benefit immensely.  And here’s the thing, we love and we live as we do, not merely out of obligation but because we have been changed and are being changed into the likeness of the One who loves perfectly.  I often recall the question Indonesia Muslims in Aceh asked us when we were there helping after the big Christmas 2004 earthquake and tsunami:  “You are Christians, why are you here?”  The answer, though much broader, was easy, a paraphrase of John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.” – We who have been loved with so great a love, how can we not love?”  The Christian life!

Blest be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.   --John Fawcett (1782)