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“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Hebrews 13:16

Balance. What an important word in every aspect of life. Without balance, we can’t even stand up, let alone walk or run. Without balance, no business will succeed. Without balance, there will always be this huge gap between the wealthy and the poor.

The same goes for our spiritual lives. There should be an equilibrium between preaching and practice, between knowledge and love. Some people believe that to be saved, good works are required. They work so hard, trying to gain God’s approval. On the other hand, some tend to abuse the exclusivity of faith, sans good works. As a result, they have become selfish, ignoring the needs of the people around them.

The first scenario is wrong, according to biblical teachings (Ephesians 2:8-9). Faith has been, and will always be the basis of salvation. However, the second scenario applies to people who understand the importance of sola fide (faith alone) but fail to acknowledge the purpose of this teaching.

Some believers live in complacency, thinking that they do not have to do anything, i.e., serving, helping, and sharing, because Jesus did it all for them. Why do I need to work when Jesus already secured my salvation?” How convenient, but I don’t think it’s the right response to God’s goodness.

That’s the appeal of the writer of the Book of Hebrews to his Christian audience. He explains the connection between doing good to others and praising God. He calls these acts “spiritual,” which does not contrast with material because material gifts can be accepted as spiritual sacrifices. A commentator writes, “spiritual means spiritual in character, to be used by the Spirit for spiritual purposes.” Though physical, our bodies can be a spiritual offering if we surrender them to God to be used for His glory.

The writer explains that doing good and sharing with others are sacrifices that are pleasing to God. He addresses believers who already understand that they are saved by faith alone. His point is that doing good and sharing with others prove that their faith is genuine. Good works are meant to be expressions of gratitude for God’s love. Paul, Peter, and James taught the same principle (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:5-9; James 2:17).

In conclusion, the Christian life should involve the right balance between biblical knowledge and practical application. Not only should we know spiritual truth, but we must also act according to what we know. Perhaps the best way to prove our calling is by imitating the character and works of our Lord Jesus, who demonstrated wisdom and genuine compassion for others. With this balance, He changed the world. He wants you to do the same.

Pursue the Saviour today!