Live to love with integrity

Hebrews 13:18-19 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you the sooner. We don’t know any of the details about the relationship between the author and his readers. It is obvious, though, that they knew each other and that something had occurred that had separated them from one another. The writer’s reference to a good conscience and conduct may suggest that he and others with him were being detained by authorities for their ministry. Perhaps they were being falsely accused and detained, and the author felt compelled to defend their integrity. Their conduct had been honorable to both God and men, and they were not conscious of doing anything that displeased the Lord. We might note that confidence in prayer comes from a clear conscience. The author could confidently ask his readers to pray for him and his companions because they were at peace with God and were walking with integrity. Because he said they were acting honorably in “all these things,” it implies that all of the things of which the author was writing had gotten them into trouble with religious or secular authorities. I interpret their good conscience and honorable conduct to mean that they had been living to love with Jesus and teaching and living the truth. When we walk in love, we live honorably and freely. But that doesn’t mean that life will be easy with no conflict. We are strangers and exiles on the earth, so we should expect that those who are on the earth may look with disdain and disgust at our honorable conduct. In fact, loving, honorable conduct may make them feel more guilty. If they are deceitful, dishonorable, and have no integrity, they may make life difficult for those who are righteous. It doesn’t make sense to think his prayer to be restored to them implies that he and his readers have had relational problems. If he felt it necessary to ask them to pray for them, he obviously has confidence in their love for him and their faith in prayer. The apostle Paul also asked for prayer (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1; Eph. 6:19). Philemon 22 expressed this same confidence in prayer for restoration. “At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.” The encouragement today is to continue to love with Christ today, being sure to walk with a clear or good conscience before both God and man. Let’s remember again that by our conduct, we are showing to both God and others that we are grateful to be in God’s unshakable kingdom. It is a privilege for us to be God’s ambassadors of His kingdom on the earth. As we abide in Jesus, we can know God will give us the grace we need to love well for the glory of His name. For those of you who are not familiar with my website, livetolovewithjesus.com, and book, Live to Love: Experience Freedom and Joy in Relationships, I hope you’ll take advantage of the free resources so you can walk with Jesus in the power of His love. Jesus started the Live to Love movement when He was raised from the dead and sent His disciples out to make disciples in the nations. I hope you’ll join us in the live to love with Jesus journey. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.