And
do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16 New American Standard
Bible (NASB)
This comes from a section
talking about the kinds of sacrifices which please God. Remember this is
written to the Hebrew people who were raised in a culture that went to the
temple to offer sacrifices for every sin and blessing, and there were
particular sacrifices for everything. But with the new covenant brought by
Christ, we no longer need to go to the temple to offer sacrifices of animals,
grain or incense. Now, it is our lives and our actions which are the
sacrifices. This includes doing good and sharing with others. Doing good refers
to helping others, being kind, obedient, literally doing anything that is good.
We need to live lives that are marked by the goodness (i.e. righteousness) of
our actions. That is a sacrifice which pleases God. Another sacrifice is
sharing with others, generosity, hospitality, relationship. There are many ways
in which we can share with others. We need to be open with our money, our
homes, and our hearts, allowing others to partake of them. Of course we need to
do this wisely, but all too often we are more stingy or careful than we need or
should be. A life that pleases God is one which is driven by a desire to please
Him, that is driven by a heart molded by God in His likeness. Jesus’ ministry
was marked by “doing good and sharing” with all, especially His enemies and
those who could give Him nothing back. That is to be our model. Do your sacrifices
please God?
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