The Standard of Christian Compassion

The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to "remember the prisoners as if chained with them" (Hebrews 13:3a). "Strangers" (v. 2) come without invitation but "prisoners" (v. 3a) must be sought out. In the first century, prisoners were not well treated, and they depended—often even for necessities like food—on sympathizers. Not everyone would give such sympathy. Many would refuse to help them for fear of identifying with the prisoners and suffering similar punishment. But Christians are to have compassion on those in prison "as if you were their fellow prisoners" (v. 3a, NIV).

Not only prisoners, but we are also to "remember... those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also" (v. 3b), or "as if you yourselves were suffering" (NIV). As Paul stated, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it" (1 Cor. 12:26). So we show sympathy to the hurting by sharing in their suffering, or by coming alongside to pray for them and to lift them up by helping in whatever way we can.

We should have such feeling for our friends in prison and for "those who are mistreated" that we become one with them. Compassion is an essential part of Christian living. Sympathy, or compassion for the hurting, is an extension of Christian love.

In the early church, if a fellow believer was in jail, they would pay his fine or redemption price. Some early Christians even sold themselves into slavery to get money to free a fellow believer. That is true sacrificial compassion!

As Christians, we must show sympathy to fellow believers. In some cases, just being there for them is all that is needed. In other cases, we need to help them directly, either financially or otherwise. In all cases, we must pray for them without ceasing. Whatever you do, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). Amen.

The Standard of Love

Hebrews 13:1 says, "Let brotherly love continue" or "Let love of the brethren continue" (NASB). The primary moral standard of Christianity is love, and the particular love exhorted here is "love of the brethren" (v. 1) or love of fellow Christians. "Love of the brethren" (v. 1) is one word (philadelphia) in the Greek, and is often translated "brotherly love." It is composed of two root words—phileō, meaning tender affection, and adelphos, meaning brother or near kinsman; literally, "from the same womb," hence, "brotherly affection" or "brotherly love" (MacArthur's New Testament Commentary: Hebrews, [Moody Publishers: Chicago, Illinois, 1983] 422).

As Christians we share a common bond. We are all saved by the blood of Jesus, and that bond links us together as "brothers in Christ" forever. That common bond is what causes us to have love and affection for each other. In fact, that common bond in Christ is why you can meet another brother for the first time and feel a special closeness and trust immediately. In Christ we as believers are one, and our love shows it.

The specific command here is to "let brotherly love continue" (v. 1). First, this command indicates that such love already exists. It is not something that we have to generate. It already exists. It is the natural outflow of the Christian life. It is what defines us. When you love Christ, you will love the brethren. In John 13:35, Jesus said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Therefore, we are not told to make this love happen. We are told to let it continue. Don't stifle it. Don't let it grow cold, but nurture it.

"Continue" (v. 1) means "to hold fast, or remain steadfast" (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, [Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1971], 224). We are exhorted to "remain steadfast" in our love for one another. Never let it go. Keep on keeping on in loving your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you see a need among the brethren, meet it as God provides. Be there for each other at all times, never attacking, but always coming alongside to help in their time of need. Note how the NIV puts it: "Keep on loving each other as brothers" (v. 1). That is the standard—sustained love.

1 Peter 1:22 says, "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart." And Romans 10:12 adds: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor." Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." In other words, "brotherly love is caring for fellow Christians more than we care for ourselves" (MacArthur, 424). Nurture and build that love.

Hebrews 13:2 adds: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." "To entertain strangers" (v. 2a) is literally "to show hospitality to strangers" (NASB). "Strangers" (v. 2a) can refer to unbelievers as well as believers. Galatians 6:10 says, "While we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." As Christians our love starts with but does not end with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to show love to everyone, even our enemies. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:43-44).

We help others from the heart of brotherly love and for the sake of Christ, not out of any thought of entertaining angels. Yet, who knows? Abraham entertained three men from the heart in Genesis 18, not knowing that two of the men were angels and the third was the Lord Himself. Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me" (Matt. 25:40). Feeding the hungry, taking in the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are in prison in Jesus' name is to serve Him. Continue in that love. Amen.

Encourage in Love

A life that is committed to Jesus will draw near in faith, it will hold fast in hope, and it will also encourage in love. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." This is talking about fellowship love—truly loving one another. Fellowship love is what defines you as a Christian.

The Jewish believers this was written to were having a hard time letting go of the old way. How often we struggle with much the same thing. Our writer is telling us that one of the best ways to hold fast to the things of God—the real things of God found only in our Lord Jesus Christ—is to be in fellowship with God's people, the church.

That's right! He is saying, "Don't go it alone." Don't try to be a "lone ranger Christian." If you want to draw near in faith, there is no better place than in the church. If you want to hold fast in hope, there is no better place than in the church. In the church you will be loved and encouraged as you seek to follow the Lord Jesus. In the church you can be used of God to love and encourage others as they seek to follow the Lord Jesus.

This is the only place in the book of Hebrews you will find the expression "one another" (v. 24a). We are to encourage each other in our walk of faith. It's not a picture of a leader directing everyone else in what they are to do. All of us are involved. We are to "consider one another" and "to stir up love and good works" (v. 24).

"Love" (v. 24b) is agape love. It is found in only one other place in Hebrews. There it says, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister" (Heb. 6:10). With the love of God we minister to one another. In so doing, we "stir up love" (v. 24b) among the brethren and we encourage "good works" (v. 24b).

Note that faith and hope might be able to be practiced alone, but not love. That is why verse 25 follows quickly on the heels of verses 24. Our writer says. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some" (vs. 24-25a).

Some were going it alone. They were "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (v. 25a). By staying away from the church, they could not "stir up love and good works" (v. 24b), nor could they be so encouraged by others. Instead, they left themselves open and vulnerable to the attack of the enemy.

Rather, we are to gather ourselves together quite often, "exhorting one another," (v. 25b), or "encouraging one another" (NASB), "and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (v. 25c, NIV). "The Day approaching" (v. 25c) is the day that Jesus returns. This makes these verses apply to all of us. Every day is a day closer to the coming of the Lord. So each and every day we should be all the more diligent to gather together and encourage each other in love.

The best way to remain strong in faith, hope, and love is by being in fellowship with God's people until Christ returns. Let's face it. We need each other. We need to be in fellowship together on a regular basis if we are to strengthen and encourage each other.

Faith is a life-long commitment. It involves daily drawing near to God in faith and seeking His presence and guidance. It involves daily holding fast in hope to the promises of God and His Word. It involves coming to church at every opportunity to fellowship with other believers and to encourage each other in love and good works. It involves putting all of yourself into all of Christ. Are you letting Christ have all of you? Are you daily living for Him? I pray so. Amen.

Hold Fast in Hope

A life that is committed to Jesus will draw near in faith and hold fast in hope. Hebrews 10:23 says, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." The best Greek manuscripts of this text have the word "hope," rather than "faith," as in the King James version, though faith is truly involved. A person who genuinely trusts in Christ cannot help being hopeful. A hopeless believer is a contradiction in terms.

To "hold fast" (v. 23a) is to "hold unswervingly" (NIV). It means to "retain a firm grasp" (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 12, Zondervan Publishing House: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1981, 104). The best description of holding fast comes from the story of a young boy who is building a tree house. He suddenly falls from the tree house and catches hold of a large branch. So he holds on with all of his strength. He holds on for dear life, as though it is a matter of life and death. That is how we as believers must hold on to "the confession of our hope" (v. 23a), or "the hope we profess" (NIV).

"Hope" is expectant. It anticipates that God will fulfill His promises. We can "hold fast" (v. 23a) to our hope in this way because behind it is a God in whom we have full confidence. We can count on Him. His promises will be kept because "He who promised is faithful" (v. 23b).

Not only are we to "hold fast the confession of our hope" (v. 23a), but we are to do so "without wavering" (v. 23a). James 1:6 says, "He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." That is what it means to waver. It means to be tossed this way and that because of doubt, never knowing what to believe. But we are to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (v. 23a). We are to "hold unswervingly to the hope we profess" (NIV).

This is another proof of salvation. Holding fast to your hope in Christ doesn't save you, but it does prove you are saved. When you trust in Christ, you place your hope in God, that He is faithful and will keep His promises. You have hope. Your hope in God defines you. It shows that you are a Christian, so you hold on.

To be without hope would tell a different story. The person who lets go has lost hope. He is not saved and his life and his lack of hope prove it. To continue to live a life set apart for God is a mark both of faith and hope. As John MacArthur said, "Holding on does not keep us saved, any more than good works will make us saved. But both are evidence that we are saved. Many people who have confessed Christ continue to give evidence, by their lives, that they have never known Him" (MacArthur’s New Testament Commentary: Hebrews, Moody Publishers: Chicago, Illinois, 1983, 265).

Holding on is what John Calvin called "the perseverance of the saints." Again, as John MacArthur said, "It is not something we do to keep ourselves saved, but it is evidence, on the human side, that we are saved. It is a paradox, just as is the doctrine of election. God sovereignly chooses those who are saved, but He will not save anyone who does not believe. God keeps us secure in His Son, but our own wills, expressed in holding on in perseverance, are also involved. As the strongest Calvinist theologian recognizes, God's sovereignty does not exclude man's responsibility" (Ibid).

Jesus said, "No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44). And He also said, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine" (John 8:31).

In the parable of the sower, Jesus revealed four types of responses to the gospel. Some people have the "seed" of the Word of God stolen away by the devil before it can take root. Others respond with joy at first but walk away at the first temptation. Still others believe until they run into a few problems. But the true believers "are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance" (Luke 8:15).

Many are those who have a superficial start but in the end they fall away and walk away from Christ. A true believer will still be around in the end. Nothing can make him waver from his faith and hope. Amen.

Draw Near to God

Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." To "come boldly to the throne of grace" involves drawing near to God.

Hebrews 10:19-22 explains, "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

We draw near to God "by a new and living way which He (Jesus) consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (v. 20). "New" (v. 20a) is used only once in the New Testament. Its original meaning was "freshly slaughtered." Jesus is the new way, the freshly slaughtered sacrifice, who opens the way to God. It seems contradictory that the freshly slaughtered way would also be the "living way" (v. 20a). But Jesus' death conquered death and gives life. His death is the only way to life that is everlasting.

It seems that as Jesus lived and ministered on this earth, it was as though His flesh, like the veil in the temple, was a barrier between God and man. Only by its sacrifice could sins be atoned for. Only by its sacrifice could man be brought into the presence of God. When the veil of the temple was torn in two during the crucifixion, you might say that the spiritual veil of His flesh was also torn in two,

As a result, not only did Jesus open the way to God, but He is now our "High Priest over the house of God" (v. 21). He is in heaven ministering on our behalf as our intercessor before the Father. Not only does He provide the way to God, He takes us with Him into the presence of God and ministers for us in heaven. With Christ we are in God's presence. Romans 5:10 says, "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

So your life as a Christian must be defined by drawing near to God in faith. Verse 22 adds, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." "A true heart" (v. 22a) means "a sincere heart" (NIV) or one that is genuine, without superficiality, hypocrisy, or ulterior motive. Coming to God "in full assurance of faith" (v. 22a) requires a commitment that is genuine. Draw near to God every day by seeking Him with your whole heart, a heart cleansed by Jesus.

"Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience" (v. 22b) pictures deliverance. Jesus died to remove our sins. When we receive Him by faith, our conscience becomes free from guilt. God sees us as being guiltless and we are able to draw near to Him. And "having… our bodies washed with pure water" (v. 22b) does not refer to baptism, but to transformation. Our lives are transformed, they are changed by the Holy Spirit who indwells us.

These two aspects of cleansing go together. Salvation involves both. The death of Christ pays the penalty for your sin and the Holy Spirit cleanses you and changes you from the inside out. Draw near to God with a sincere faith every day. Let Jesus cleanse your innermost thoughts, and let Him transform your life. Amen.