A New Command

Verse: Hebrews 13:3 ESV
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”

Devotion
In verse one we were told to love and support fellow believers, and verse two told us to not limit our love to only believers; instead to intentionally serve strangers and to care for them. Verse three goes on to tell us to love those who are prisoners, or those that are ill treated. To some this can initially seem like a to-do list, as if we need our lists to grow any longer.

However, I’d say that’s actually not the case here. Instead, I think this is just giving context to what we already know and were commanded to do as believers: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””John‬ ‭13:34-35‬ ‭ESV. Paul is legitimately taking time to further explain what we already know. Here he gives a concrete example of what it means to love one another.

So after reading different examples of how we could be loving those around us, I challenge you to be more aware of the various situations you find yourself in. Are there any opportunities to serve those in your community? I encourage you to step out in faith, and seek out opportunities to serve those you come in contact with. Pray for opportunities if you aren’t sure or if no one comes to mind. Opportunities will arise, you just have to be willing to step out and take advantage of the opportunity; even if it may seem uncomfortable initially.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for all that you are doing in our lives. I ask that you help us to find opportunities to serve the people we come in contact with, and that these actions turn into substantial conversations in which we can share your word. I pray that we have the willingness to step out of our comfortable spot in the “comfortable” line of life, and take advantage of the opportunity to serve someone else in a God honoring way. In your heavenly name I pray, Amen.

Author: Justin Artymenko