Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. – Hebrews 13:16
If you go to the grocery store and have a specific item on the list that you discover when you get home that you neglected to pick up, you might consider yourself forgetful… you overlooked it on your list. The word “neglect” in today’s verse has a much stronger context. The Greek word means to purposefully forget or overlook what God has commanded. Your personal choice has become a moral issue, a heart issue with God.
The emphasis in this last section of Hebrews is living out your faith – responding to God with a commitment of your whole self for His purposes. In that, you offer sacrifices of praise instead of laments of complaints, and you do not neglect to do good and share of your possessions (Hebrews 13:15-16). Be encouraged! The Lord God is ready to “equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever” (v.21).
God has created you with a need inside that only a relationship with Him can fill. Living life seeking pleasure for your old nature does not satisfy. When you are committed to the Lord, you seek to please Him. Your life will be enriched and your joy will outlast any momentary pleasure you may have had seeking things of this world.
You are precious in God’s sight. Your faith in Christ gives you the purpose to “do good and to share what you have.” May others come to know Jesus as you show them God’s love and mercy.
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