Pleasing our Father in heaven

Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. It’s always good to know what pleases someone we love. When I see something my wife really enjoys, I want to get it for her. When we see our children thrilled about something, we plan a repeat experience. In this verse, God tells us something else that pleases Him. In 1:8, God tells us that Jesus loves righteousness. In 11:5-6 we learned that faith pleases Him. Today we are encouraged to do good to others and share. I’m reminded of one of the best definitions of love that I know of as I read this verse. Love is the sustained direction of the will toward the highest good of another, no matter what the cost, in the power of the Spirit, for the glory of God. What is the highest good for another person? I suggest that the highest good of any individual is to find their greatest satisfaction and joy in Jesus for the glory of God. If we have the opportunity to make Jesus look good in someone’s eyes, let’s not neglect doing it. This is living to love with Jesus, because Jesus always does what is in our best interest. The apostle Paul echoed this same idea when he wrote to the Philippians, “Do not look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interests of others (2:4). As we walk in love today with Jesus, let’s consider every opportunity to do good to someone as an opportunity to offer a pleasing sacrifice to God. The second encouragement we have is to not neglect sharing. The concept involves fellowshipping, partnering, or sharing what God has given you with others. What has He given us to share? He’s given us His life! As God puts people in our lives, let us share the life of Christ with them. Love them with Him. Abide in Him, receive what He gives you for them, and then share it, whether it be words of affirmation, encouragement, or the Scriptures, or acts of service, kindness, and love. These are ways we are to let the love of the brethren continue in our lives because we are so grateful for being made partakers of God’s unshakable, eternal, heavenly kingdom. How encouraging it is to know that as we do good and share through Christ, our Father is pleased. 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.