Saturday 10 March, 2018

9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews is a book about living the Christian journey, from beginning to the end. There is a clear theme throughout the book of continuing on in faith, practical living faith. The most well know metaphor for this is used later on in Hebrews 11.. running the race strongly to the end.

In this passage we see one such exaltation, to keep on keeping on. Here the Hebrews are being encouraged to keep on loving.  To keep on loving others as long as life lasts (verse 11). So that they will see Gods promises and the things hoped for come to pass. And so that they would not become spiritually dead.

This passage follows one (at the beginning of chapter 6) about maturing in faith. When we mature in faith we not only mature in our understanding but also in our being and in our doing. We mature in loving; loving more faithfully, more consistently, more widely, more graciously…  We never get past love. We are loved and we need to love others from the beginning to the end of our Christian journey. Because love characterises the Christian life journey.

This is the greatest commandment; Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, understanding and strength.  And love your neighbour as yourself. Mark 12:32

Right now three things remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend. John 15:13

Jesus, help me to love and keep on loving others. I want to love more truely and more fully. Help me to love others as you love me. May my life be characterised by your love, and may I grow more in capacity to love with each day.

Written by Ps. Zoe Stewart