Hebrews 13:1-5 (CB)

Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Real love for others produces tangible actions: (1) hospitality to strangers (13:2); (2) empathy for those who are in prison or who have been mistreated (13:3); (3) respect for marriage vows (13:4); and (4) contentment with what we have (13:5). Love that pleases God runs deep enough to affect our hospitality, empathy, fidelity, and contentment. Have there been recent visitors to your church with whom you could share a meal? Do you know of anyone who would enjoy an evening of conversation? In what ways could your home meet the needs of traveling missionaries? Hospitality simply means making other people feel comfortable and at home. Pray for your spouse. Remain faithful—in body and in mind. Honor biblical marriage. Teach children in your life the biblical meaning of marriage, and pray early for their own possible spouses and families. Encourage married couples around you to stay strong. How can we learn to be content with what we have? Strive to live with less rather than desiring more; give more; relish what you have rather than resenting what you’re missing. We will feel content when we realize God’s sufficiency for our needs.