Together in Christ: 'Keep on Loving Each Other' — Hebrews 13:1-2

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

— Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

There's no such thing as loving each other too much. The Holy Spirit shows us this truth by saying, "You already show your love for all the believers... we urge you to love them even more." [1] Today's verses on relationships make this same point: "Keep on loving each other..." This love should be expressed toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. It should be ongoing, our everyday-lifestyle love propelled by the power of the Holy Spirit's presence in us. [2] Plus, one way we express that love is through hospitality toward strangers. [3] God's living and empowering presence within us leads us to have and share the love that originates in Him. [4]

The Holy Spirit also emphasized the importance of loving each other in other ways:

  • Loving each other is one of the two great commands of God. [5]
  • Loving each other is part of our daily worship and reverencing of God. [6]
  • Loving each other shows the world we are Jesus' disciples. [7]
  • Loving each other covers and forgives a multitude of sins. [8]
  • Loving each other helps complete us in Christ and make His love real in us. [9]

When I sometimes find my brothers and sisters in Christ difficult to love, all I need to do is remember Jesus. I remember how Jesus loved us and died for us even when we were "powerless," "ungodly," "sinners," and "enemies." [10] I recall how Jesus put up with his apostles and disciples asking foolish questions and acting selfishly; he even washed their feet when they were about to betray, deny, and abandon Him. [11] I remember how Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. [12] And, I hear Him say:

Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [13]

We must "Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters..." because we can never love each other too much!

[1] 1 Thessalonians 4:10.
[2] Romans 5:6; Galatians 5:22-26.
[3] Matthew 25:34-35; Romans 12:13.
[4] John 7:37-39; Ephesians 3:14-21.
[5] Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14.
[6] Hebrews 12:28-29 along with Hebrews 13:15-16 form an inclusion (rhetorical bookends), and the commands they frame show how to "worship God acceptably with reverence and awe" along with appropriate sacrifices and praise. Ephesians 5:21 uses similar language in a similar context — Ephesians 5:18-21.
[7] John 13:34-35.
[8] 1 Peter 4:8.
[9] 1 John 4:12, 16-17.
[10] Romans 5:6-11 NIV; 1 John 4:7-12.
[11] John 13:1-17.
[12] Luke 23:34.
[13] John 13:34.

Today's Prayer

O, Father, help me love Your children as You love them and as Jesus demonstrated Your love for them. I confess that I sometimes have difficulty letting go of wounds caused by my brothers and sisters in Christ. Holy Spirit, stir my heart with reminders of Jesus' compassionate and forgiving love and fill my heart with fresh and overflowing springs of Your love. I ask this in the name and for the glory of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:7-12
  • 1 Peter 3:8-16, 4:7-9

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Illustration

Illustration of Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT — Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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