Friday 06 February 2009

Background

'Love' is an overworked word in the English language. It has tocover a wide range of meanings. In this passage there is achallenge that within the fellowship of those who follow Jesusthere must be the sort of love that you would hope to see within afamily setting (verse 1). But strangers should certainly not beignored. After all, you never know who you might bereceiving.

Such advice is not uncommon. An early biblical illustration comesinGenesis18:1-21 (Abraham and Sarah entertain three strangers) andit is the underlying theme behind Jesus' challenging words inMatthew25:31-46 (the sheep and the goats).

The history of the Christian Church is littered with examples ofChristians failing to love one another. Next in the passage followtwo examples of mutual love in action: those in prison or beingtortured. They are to be remembered "as though you were in prison/being tortured". This emphasis suggests more than, say, simplypraying for them. Perhaps the idea is 'You ought to visit them, toshow you care'. To do that they would really show solidarity byexposing themselves to imprisonment and torture. This Christianlove is a powerful commitment.

In turning to verses 4 and 5, it would seem that marriage fidelityand love of money were particular problems within the community.Like so many early Christian communities, the 'Hebrews' wereclearly struggling to live out the Christian life.

Verses 7 and 8 offer another challenge. Those who helped found thiscongregation are called to mind. They are held up as examples tocopy. These words offer a real challenge to people in leadershiproles in the life of the Church today. Leaders should lead livesworthy of imitation.

To Ponder

Call to mind leaders you have known. What werethe qualities which marked them out as good leaders?

"I will never leave you or forsake you" (verse5). What does that mean for you?