Thursday, August 28, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Hebrews 13:1–8, 15–16

Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (NRSVUE)

Reflection

Letters like the one addressed to the Hebrews often conclude with a series of exhortations — the biblical equivalent of a mom calling out from the car window, “Goodbye! Make good choices!” These encourage believers to behave in ways consistent with the gospel, and they include both practical suggestions and the promise that living in this way draws us closer to God and each other.

Today’s exhortation to “let mutual love continue” is a game changer. During a recent election, I saw an interview in which a potential voter was asked if a candidate’s position on alleviating student loan debt made them favor the candidate. The voter looked puzzled. “I don’t have any student loan debt — why would it change my mind?”

There are numerous good reasons to hold a particular perspective on a complicated political topic, but if we are to follow today’s guidance, “It doesn’t benefit me” isn’t one of them. I cannot observe those imprisoned or tortured with indifference or even a benign but compassionate “Well, there but for the grace of God go I.”

My faith invites me to care — and to care deeply — about their suffering. When I encounter strangers, I can receive the invitation to offer simple hospitality, imagining myself as Abraham and Sarah serving a restorative lunch to God’s emissaries! And when I see what’s happening in Washington, D.C., or Springfield, Illinois, my lens of “mutual love” permits me to advocate not only for the policies that benefit me but for those that serve the greatest good. Good news, indeed.

Prayer

Holy God, help us to see the world through the lens of mutual love, so that it may continue and all may flourish. Amen.  

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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