Works of Righteousness (Hebrews 13)

Hebrews 13 is the last chapter in Paul's epistle to the Hebrews and he closes with advice about several different things. I like this chapter because it is good advice for us now as well of how we can live the gospel better in our own lives. Here are some of the things that I found:

• We should remember and have compassion on those "in bonds." We should care about people the same way that Christ did, regardless of who they are or what their background may be. We never know how we can help them or how they can help us. (Hebrews 13:2-3)
• "Marriage is honourable" and we need to be faithful within marriage because it is sacred and "the family is ordained of God" as it says in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. That is discounted more and more in the world today so we have to stand up for what we know is right. (Hebrews 13:4)
• We need to be content with the things that we have and not covet the things of others. We have all been given great blessings and it is a lot better to think of all the blessings we do have rather than the things we don't. God has promised us that He will never leave us and that is the greatest blessing of all because as long as we are obedient we will have the things we need. (Hebrews 13:5)

Source

• Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will always be there to help us and support us. His church and His gospel are always the same, the standards never change like those in the world. That is such a comfort to me. (Hebrews 13:8)

• We are sanctified through Christ. In the Guide to the Scriptures it defines sanctification as "the process of becoming free from sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Jesus Christ." We can only be made clean through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and as we strive to be obedient and live the gospel in our lives. (Hebrews 13:12-15)
• We need to obey those that are in charge of us because they are looking out for our salvation. It is hard sometimes to humble ourselves and to do what we are asked because we may not see how it will help us but our leaders are called of God to help us. They don't want to see us suffer. (Hebrews 13:17)
• Paul asked the people to pray for them, the leaders of the Church. It is important that we pray for our leaders so that they can be led by the Spirit to help us and also so that they will be strengthened to fulfill their duties. (Hebrews 13:18)

I really enjoyed reading this chapter because it was a good reminder of some of the things that I need to focus on more in my life. I invite you to read the whole chapter and think about what you might need to change or do better in your own life to come closer to the Savior.