Some of the most interesting passages in the New Testament occur in the introductions or conclusions of letters. The writers penned these missives to individuals or groups of people, so the personal addresses humanize the letters and give the authors an opportunity to share their love and wisdom with those they care about.
Hebrews wasn’t written to one church or person but to all Jews about the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Gospel. Full of incredibly deep theology and symbolism, the writer gives one piece of wisdom toward the end in Hebrews 13:16.
“Do good and share with others.”
This statement seems general and vague. Yet when placed in context, we can understand the depth and importance of this verse.
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians and aims to encourage faithfulness to the person of Christ, highlight his supremacy, and explain the New Covenant’s superiority over the old.
The primary theme of Hebrews is the supremacy of Christ. The author argues that Jesus is superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 1:3 states, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Instead of being another prophet or Old Testament type deliverer, the author emphasizes Jesus as God and Christ’s role in sustaining creation.
Another significant theme is the finality and sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. The author contrasts the repetitive and temporary sacrifices of the old covenant with Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10 declares, “And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” This reassures believers regarding Christ’s complete and eternal sacrifice, eliminating the need for any further ones.
Faith and perseverance play a crucial role in Hebrews. The famous “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11 recounts the faith of Old Testament heroes, encouraging believers to emulate their perseverance. In another central theme, the author explains how Jesus mediates a better covenant, founded on better promises. Hebrews 8:6-7 states, “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another.”
Truth should change minds and behavior, transforming how people live. So Hebrews chapter 13 provides practical instructions for Christian living in the context of these theological truths. It emphasizes love, hospitality, and moral integrity. Hebrews 13:1-2 instructs, “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This call to love and hospitality reflects the community-oriented nature of Christian faith.
The chapter also addresses the importance of honoring marriage, avoiding the love of money, and living with contentment. Finally, Hebrews 13 emphasizes respect for leaders and the importance of sound teaching. Hebrews 13:7 and 17 highlight this, saying, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith... Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.”
“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
This broad statement encapsulates a crucial aspect of Christian ethics and community life, part of the broader exhortation in Hebrews 13 of practical applications to deep spiritual truths.
In the immediate context of Hebrews 13, “doing good” encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and integrity. These instructions collectively paint a picture of a life lived in accordance with God’s will, characterized by moral uprightness and compassion. The truths and themes outlined throughout Hebrews become more than deep intellectual thoughts. The supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant transforms the way people believe, think, and live. And as Hebrews’ author delves into the power of faith and action through Hebrews 10-12, giving practical examples becomes important.
The specific call to “share with others” emphasizes the importance of generosity and community. Sharing involves not only material possessions but also time, attention, and support. Humans naturally act in their own self-interest. This selfishness flows from being under the curse of sin. After Adam and Eve sinned and God exiled them from Eden, part of the curse of death included working to provide for basic needs, toiling in the corrupted dirt to eat and stay alive a few years longer during the entropy of old age and eventual death.
Sharing possessions and time reflects a serious change of mind for believers. Christians know that God will provide for their needs from the resources of heaven, instead of having to provide for themselves. This allows Jesus’ followers to give willingly, selflessly, and generously, becoming a living example of eternal life in Christ.
By linking “doing good” and “sharing” with sacrifices that please God, the author of Hebrews highlights the spiritual significance of these actions. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a central part of worship and atonement. However, in the New Testament, the focus shifts towards spiritual sacrifices, such as acts of kindness and generosity, which reflect a heart aligned with God’s purposes. The Old Testament sacrifices, while insufficient in one sense, still pleased God and became a pleasing aroma before his throne (Leviticus 1:9).
In the same way, when believers act from eternal truth of the supremacy of Christ and sincerely love others in practical and tangible ways, their lives and actions please God. The Bible identifies Christians as sons and daughters of God, and if children, then heirs of the kingdom (Romans 8:17). In “doing good,” believers please their Father and learn to rule and reign with him in the eternal heavens.
Proverbs 19:17 speaks to the blessings of generosity: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” This verse suggests God sees acts of kindness, and he will reward the generous, reinforcing the significance of sharing with others.
Jesus takes this deeper, teaching that serving others actually served himself (Matthew 25:35-40). Jesus so identified with the poor and brokenhearted, he taught how in serving others, Christians bless the Son of God himself. At the same time, when people reject helping those in need, they dismiss the eternal Jesus (Matthew 25-30). Jesus ends this teaching with separating one group from another, sheep and goats, the generous from the rest.
With these words from Jesus, it’s no surprise the early disciples put these radical ideas into practice. In Acts 2:44-45, the early Christian community sets an example of sharing and communal support: “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” This passage reveals the communal aspect of the early church, where believers shared their resources to ensure that no one lacked the essentials.
Another significant passage is found in Galatians 6:9, which states, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Not only does doing good please God, but extending kindness sows a seed that will one day reap a promised harvest, both in this life and the life to come if believers remain faithful.
James 2:14-17 also underscores the inseparable link between faith and action: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith expresses itself through deeds. Choices and decisions reveal what people truly believe. Christians demonstrate faith through kindness and supporting those in need.
For Christians today, we can follow the call to “do good and share” through various tangible actions that reflect the love and generosity of Christ.
1. Acts of Charity and Service
We can engage in charitable acts and service within our communities. Volunteering at food banks, shelters, and charitable organizations are practical ways to help those in need. We find broken and needy people in every place and walk of life, so these opportunities abound. Charity and service become especially powerful when we join with our local church community as a witness for Jesus.
2. Hospitality
Offering hospitality to others, especially those in need, is a powerful way to practice doing good and sharing. Hebrews 13:2 states, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” The church in Acts regularly, even nightly, shared meals. Inviting someone to a meal, providing shelter, or simply offering a welcoming environment can significantly impact those who feel alone or neglected.
3. Generosity with Resources
With a heavenly mindset, we can share financial and material resources to support others, whether in the church or the community, as we see the principle in Acts 2:44-45. This can be practiced by donating to charities, supporting church missions, or directly assisting individuals facing financial hardships.
4. Emotional and Spiritual Support
Providing emotional and spiritual support to those in distress is another way to do good and share. This can involve listening to someone going through a tough time, offering prayers, or providing counseling and encouragement. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Supporting one another in times of need fosters a strong, compassionate community.
5. Advocacy and Justice
We can also practice doing good by advocating for justice and standing up for the oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 urges believers to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This might involve participating in redemptive justice initiatives, supporting fair policies, or educating others about important issues.
6. Everyday Acts of Kindness
We should endeavor to live generously, seeing everyday opportunities in every situation to practice kindness. This could include helping a neighbor with chores, offering a ride to someone without transportation, or even small gestures like paying for someone’s meal. Such actions, though seemingly minor, reflect the love of Christ and make a significant difference in people's lives.
7. Mentorship and Education
Proverbs counts skill and wisdom as great treasure, more than silver or gold. Sharing knowledge and skills with others through mentorship and education can empower individuals and improve communities. Investing time in teaching or mentoring can help others develop personally and professionally, reflecting the principle of sharing and doing good.
Remember, we “do good and share with others” not for fame or power or money in this life. However, God does promise rewards. First, our Father is pleased with us as children, just like when we watch our own kids do good and walk in truth. Second, he promises he will repay our sacrifices from his own eternal, infinite resources. These acts of generosity may feel like sacrifices in the moment, giving away our stuff, but God more than repays us with wealth that lasts, as a good Father does.
Peace.
Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.
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