Instructions for Christian Living (and Loving) in the Book of Hebrews
As the writer of Hebrews transitions from sound Christian doctrine (Hebrews 1–12); he instructs his Jewish-Christian readers/listeners in applying some practical ways of loving one another, as they have been loved by God. Love is the controlling theme in Hebrews 13.
The implication in verse 1 is that this congregation of believers has had the love of God poured out in their hearts (Rom 5:5). They have been walking in love (Eph 5:2); being obedient to Jesus’ love commands (Mt 22:37–39). Thus, the writer opens with the exhortation to continue in the love of the brethren (13:1).
It is easier to love our brothers and sisters in Christ because of who they are to us. It is a bit more difficult to love strangers, especially with the gift of hospitality (13:2). Strangers can take advantage of Christian generosity very quickly. They can disappear just as quickly. Remembering that God created everything (Col 1:16; Heb 1:2); owns everything (Ps 24:1); and distributes everything (Jas 1:17), we are free to be generous with our heavenly Father’s provision. God loves a hilarious giver because giving displays faith in God’s ample supply for every good deed (2 Cor 9:7, 10, 12), prepared beforehand that we might walk in them with great joy (Eph 2:10).
The blessing of generosity, especially the personal intimacy of hospitality, is that it is God who sends people, even angels into our lives. Everyone we encounter is a representative of God’s providence, so we should do unto others as we would have it done unto us (Lk 6:31). Even when we go so far as to love our enemies (Mt 5:44), it is more about our progress in the Christian life than how they may or may not appreciate our kindness. Christ died for the ungodly (Rom 5:6)!
Whatever we do to the least of the brethren, we have done it to the Lord (Mt 25:40). Those who are in prison may be just the people in mind (13:3). Those in jail are easily forsaken and forgotten. We presume they were justly incarcerated; but there are often exceptions. In this case, those being ill-treated are being persecuted. Corruption is more pervasive than most of us can fathom. Sinners attempting to execute justice against fellow sinners has it obvious flaws.
When a member of Christ’s church is suffering in any way, the other members are instructed to come to minister comfort an encouragement. Incarceration can crush hope; which introduces depression and despair. Prison ministries are some of the most effective agencies of evangelism, today. In the first century, imprisonment and persecution of Christians was common. We must remember to pray for our brethren in prison, especially those who are suffering for the sake of righteousness. It is also worthwhile to pray for those who persecute Christ’s church (Mt 5:44). We must never forget God’s power to radically transform wretched sinners like Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9).
Next, love must be the foundation of our relationship with our closest neighbors (13:4). Marriage and family are both divine institutions. God has ordained that a man and a woman would come together in holy matrimony, in order to represent Christ and His bride, His church (Eph 5:21–33). Thus, marriage is sacred. It is to be nurtured and protected.
The devil hates biblical marriage and family. He does what he can to redefine the terms and pervert the practices. Christ is not a whoremonger nor a deviant. Jesus loves His church, as demonstrated in His willingness to suffer and die for her on a cruel Roman cross (Rom 5:8).
Every intrusion of sexual immorality is an affront to the beauty and purity of marriage. Old Testament ethnic Israel was depicted as a prostitute (Gomer). This woman’s wayward lust illustrated Israel’s idolatry. The Jews went after other gods like sex addicts pursue their next encounter. God has made it clear that He intends for His church to be holy as he is holy (1 Pet 1:15–16). It is for holiness that He has given us His Spirit of holiness that we might walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10).
Along with the sin of hoarding possessions and sex partners, the sin of hoarding money is also very problematic (13:5). It is common for rich people to trust in their riches and forget their dependence on God (Ps 49:5–7; 52:7; Prv 11:28; 1 Tim 6:17).
Financial sins are also committed by poor people. Greed is the sin of not being content with what one possesses but wanting more and more. The rich fool of Luke 12 was such a man. As he was building bigger barns; God was preparing his death. It is the fool who loses his own soul in pursuit of the whole world of money and possessions (Mt 16:26).
Being content with God’s allocation of possessions and wealth is one of the most blessed graces granted by God to a man or woman (Phil 4:11). The writer of Hebrews quotes the astounding promise of God’s providential care for His beloved (Heb 13:6; c/f Gen 28:5; Dt 31:6, 8; Jos 1:5; 1 Chr 28:20). God is good to Israel (Ps 73:1); and this is why Christians give thanks in everything (1 Thess 5:18), knowing His grace is sufficient for us (2 Cor 12:9).
Our confidence is in the Giver of every good and every perfect gift (Jas 1:17). God knows what His children need before we ask (Mt 6:8); but He delights in our faith, when we acknowledge Him in everything (Prv 3:5–6; Heb 11:6). Christians should be fearless in this world of fear, ruled by the chief fearmonger (Lk 1:74). Fear is not faith; so, it is sin (Rom 14:23). If we are taught to be anxious for nothing (Phil 4:6), then we must confess when we are faithless (2 Tim 2:13). He remains faithful; and He is our ebenezer — a very present help in time of need (Heb 4:16).
Man can never take from God’s children what our heavenly Father has ordained for us (Mk 4:11; Lk 12:32). Though the devil comes to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10); he has nothing in us who are in Christ.
To whom much is given, much is required (Lk 12:48). Therefore, if the Lord giveth and then the Lord taketh away, He is blessed, regardless. The Lord disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:4–11); therefore, our losses have their purpose in His plan (Heb 10:34).
Finally, in this passage of extending love to a variety of people in diverse ways, there is one last consideration. Christians are to remember (and love) those who ministered the Word of God to us (13:7). Ministers of God’s Word are held to a higher standard and sometimes suffer harsher discipline. God’s grace has provided the Word of Christ and the desire to study it. Learning Christ is the minister’s priority. Faith and obedience are always on the mind of the man of God, called by God, to shepherd the flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1–5).
Christ is our supreme example in every category of faith and practice. Those who dedicate themselves to following Christ, as teachers, serve as an example for others to follow. They also need the love of the brethren. We share our material resources with the minister who shares spiritual things with us and who cares for our souls (Rom 15:27; 1 Cor 9:11). When loved in practical ways, ministers have great joy in fulfilling the ministry God has entrusted to them.
In summary, Hebrews 13:1–7 has emphasized God’s intention for Christians to love in the manner of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us (Gal 2:20). The practice of love toward others puts our Christian faith on display (Jn 13:35). The Jewish-Christians were already loving; but they needed a loving prompt to continue and expand their love.
In conclusion, we, too, need to prompt to creatively love one another; to love our neighbors; and even to love our enemies. There is no end to peoples’ needs; therefore, love must abound. God is love (1 Jn 4:8, 16); and that means there is an infinite supply of love for Christians to access. If there is anything lacking in this regard, we are exhorted to ask God the Father, in Jesus’ name.
May God grant you love, without measure, in order to share it in every situation and with everyone you meet. In this, love never fails (1 Cor 13:8).
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
June 27, 2024
Hebrews 13:1–7
