This last week I attended a leadership conference which was outside of the usual faith sector that I comfortably move in. The delegates were CEO’s and senior leaders from all walks of life including the British Army. It was an honour and privilege to be there. One of the many highlights was to hear how within the regiments of the Army they are teaching and fostering the importance of love. If a fellow soldier is wounded on the battle field the reason why you should go and rescue them is because you love them and not only because it is your duty to do so.
Hold that thought!
We have nearly finished reading this book of Hebrews. As we do we move into what appears to be a usual list of demands and calls to obedience. It sounds like the lists that the Apostle Paul wrote in his other letters and has led many to think he is the author here. But refusing to be distracted with that we press on and read the first on the list and appropriately it is love.
”Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 13 v 1
The word used is philadelphia and it was used for the love amongst the family. Don’t stop having tender family love towards others in the Church.
In the desire for a church to grow we must also continue with the same desire to build a family that knows how to keep on loving each other.
We can all think of examples where we are devoted to that Church member with love. We can also think of those people who we struggle with. They are the people who hurt you, spoken against you and who do not even like you never mind reciprocate any love you might have for them. It’s difficult.
Missions Paul 