Hebrews 13. Works of Righteousness

Can I just say, I LOVE Hebrews? I am going to admit something awful here, but I honestly had never read it before. I knew where it was and all that but I had never actually sat down and taken the time to read it. I am so grateful for this class! How wonderful! Anyways, this week the Share and Report assignment that I choose was choice number three: Hebrews 13: Works of Righteousness.

Paul concluded this letter by giving some really short succinct teachings and counsel, which I really enjoyed. Often times in today’s society people revere the Bible for its beautiful language and prose, which is totally warranted. But what these people do not understand is that the messages and lessons hidden within the beautiful language and prose are still applicable to us even though the words were written 2000+ years ago.

For example Paul tells us to treat strangers kindly, with hospitality because you never truly know who are helping. This statement reminds me a lot of the hymn “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” The strangers you are entertaining could very well be angels or the Savior himself. And if it turns out they are not angels or Christ remember that when ye are in the service of your fellow men you are serving your God!

Paul also reminds us that we are to remember those that in bonds because we are also in bonds at times. Whether they be physical or emotional, you never truly know what someone is going through and every person is due compassion and charity.

Paul makes reference to marriage saying it is “honorable in all.” This makes me think he was trying to teach that marriage is something that should be sought after and not avoiding or made light of.

Paul also speaks of covetousness. I am so guilty of this, I catch myself coveting many things (Godiva chocolate cheesecake I am looking at you…). Paul tells us to avoid coveting and to be content with what the Lord has given us, because he will never leave or forsake us. I think this is telling because it speaks to the idea that the Lord gives us what we need when he knows we need it, not when we think we need/want it.

And of course something that I think is one of the most beautiful statements in the scriptures, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and for ever.” It really speaks the Christ’s kindness and consistency. We are sanctified through Christ’s atoning sacrifice!

We believe that we should obey our rulers! In fact it is even one of our 13 Articles of Faith, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.”

Paul asked us to pray for the leaders of the Church because they need to know of our love and support for them as well as having the Spirit with them.