ODJ: Persisting in Doing Good

November 30, 2017 

READ: Hebrews 10:19-25 

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise (v.23).

When people were engaged in a political spat on my friend’s Facebook page, my friend decided to turn the debate into something uplifting by suggesting that everyone who commented make a donation to the Uganda-based ministry I direct. What began as a contentious debate transformed into a collective act of generosity. In the process, hearts softened and—though political differences remained—those involved began speaking more kindly to one another.

In essence, my friend saw an opportunity to motivate others to love and acts of kindness, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24. While his prompting produced positive results, as we take a closer look at Hebrews 10 we find the author was offering an even deeper exhortation to believers in Jesus.

Not only did he encourage the Hebrews to loving service (v.24), he also called them to persevere in their faith and to enter into a deeper relationship with the Saviour. With confidence that they’d been cleansed of their sins by “the blood of Jesus” (v.19), the author explained that believers have received a new and living way to enter into worship and intimacy with God (vv.20-22).

This relationship was the foundation for their behaviour towards others. Before they could serve others, they were encouraged to “go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him” (v.22).

Jesus alone can cleanse us from a guilty conscience so we can freely serve others. No matter what’s happening in our world and what’s being contested in the public square, as we draw near to God, He will help us encourage one another in doing good for Him.

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day-plan: Ephesians 2:1-22