Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 6:9-12.
Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation. For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Paul expresses his hope and concern for those to whom he writes, and his teaching applies to us today as well. He reminds us of God’s righteousness and justice. God is aware of our mistakes but He is always willing to forgive us when we are truly repentant.
British pastor Nicky Gumbel wrote “holiness is linked to wholeness”. We can only be complete with God as a part of our lives. Philosopher and scientist Blaise Pascal tells us “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.”
We must be willing to give up the way we have lived before and move on to the lives God has planned for us. Knowing Jesus and accepting the blessing He brings is the only way we can receive forgiveness. Our hope is in You, Lord and we press on in faith.
Heavenly Father, we are saddened by our failure to love one another as You intend. Bless us to go in faith to share Your love with all Your children. Amen.