Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Reflection
I remember a church attendance sign-up sheet that would be passed down the pew that referenced this passage above. You never know who may attend church with you. You never know who God will place into your life. You can't tell what may happen in a relationship from day to day. It seems that God wants us to be aware of the people around us. People instead of things, the relationships we have with people always take priority and bring a closeness to one another and to God.
God acts in and through the people he sets in our lives. Sometimes as mentors and teachers and guides, that action seems good and a relationship flourishes. But God also acts through some other people in our lives that seem like sandpaper. They rough us up and make life difficult. In the roughing up of our own lives we learn how to deal with one another. If it's from God, love eventually shines through the actions. Sometimes it takes time. Sometimes love is slow to follow. But love with eventually show, maybe the love of a God that guides us or the first hand instruction of how to deal in difficult situations.
In all of our relationships we must be thankful. There is something to each relationship we have. If we look for the hand of God in our dealings with one another, we can be thankful for each person that God has placed in our life. I know it's easy to stand back and say "Well, what about so and so? I can't see the love!"
But, I think the love is there. All people are created by God and all people can come to God in love. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's hard and other times it feels impossible. The love of God can transcend all issues.
That's exactly what God did with his son Jesus. Jesus came for all creation. Jesus came to this earth for each and every one of us. Jesus came to save all y'alls. And he did it. So respect and honor is due to Jesus and to one another, because God cares and loves enough to come for all people.
So we praise God in Jesus for a love that covers all. We honor God and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. We live in relationship with God and with one another and seek a common ground of love. Love freely given to us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
"Let mutual love continue."
Prayer
Lord, it's easy to love you and it's easy to love those who are like minded with me. I need help with those sandpaper people. I need help in my love towards them and you in them. Lead me and guide me to love all people as you have loved each one of us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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