Living in the Certain Light of Grace

Hebrews 13:1-6 

1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. 3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. 4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.  5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say:
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?”

Having grace includes loving our brothers and sisters, as well as giving time and attention to strangers.  When we live out God’s Love (not merely acting it out), we are being Christ to others in need of His love and grace.  Some ways to care for others include considering those imprisoned by prayer and visitation, and to come alongside those who are mistreated to offer hope and comfort in times of need.  This passage also speaks to how we live according to God’s design and intent, beginning with marriage and purity.  Sexual intimacy is to be between man and wife only, not with anyone else before or after marriage, regardless of what is culturally acceptable or considered normal.  God’s word spells out His created order and borders.  Another area of living by His order is in contentment, not living by desiring what we don’t have or wanting what another has; He gives us all we need, so this sinful behavior of coveting undermines our trust and reliance on His grace and goodness.  He promises to be with us forever, as the unbreakable covenant is initiated by God and sustained by His word of promise.  We therefore can confidently affirm that we have all we need and that He helps us and we have nothing to fear for eternal judgement nor for what harm others can inflict on us in this life only.  He never leaves, He provides all we need, and He will lead us home in heaven to the place made ready for us (John 14:1-3).