For the Heart to be Strengthened by Grace

Text: Hebrews 13:1-16

Reflection and Question: Like Paul, the writer here yearns to hold the church together while believers contend against each other over regulations about eating certain foods. I see the same dynamic in these controversies about food restrictions as in the condemnations of GLBT people in our time based on Old Testament law. In both cases, the divisiveness is so damaging to the church. Like Jesus and Paul, the writer here returns to the basics: doing good, sharing what you have and confessing Jesus’ name. How is your heart strengthened to set differences aside and do good in the world?

Prayer: Most loving God, by Your grace alone are we strengthened to know and do Your will. We know You desire hospitality, compassion for the imprisoned and tortured, and our sacrifice of praise. Give us the strength to do all this, we pray. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).