God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.
Hebrews 6:10-11 NIV
Jesus told us that the greatest commandment of all is to love the Lord our God with all we are (Matt. 22:37-38). But how do we do that? How can I show love to God? The author of Hebrews tells us in this passage that at least one of the ways I can love him is by obeying what Jesus called the second greatest commandment. By loving my neighbor (Matt. 22:39).
As I help God’s people, I am showing love to God. And as I continue to love them, I am continuing to demonstrate love for God. Whatever I do for one of God’s people, even the least of them, I am doing for God (Matt. 25:40).
When I offer an encouraging word to my brother or sister, it is an act of love—an act of love for my brother or sister as well as for God. When I help them move, visit them in the hospital, or do anything else for my brother or sister, no matter how small, I am demonstrating love for God.
Hebrews encourages us to do this, and continue to do it, with diligence. As long as the Lord leaves us here, we should seek ways to love God by loving his people. And when we do, our hope will be fully realized. The more we love now, the greater the joy when our Lord calls us home, and we meet him face to face.
