Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

> “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

This verse teaches a deeply practical faith—one that goes beyond words, rituals, or beliefs and shows itself in loving action.

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What Hebrews 13:16 Really Teaches

1. Faith must be expressed through action

The writer reminds believers “do not forget”, implying that doing good and sharing can be neglected if we are not intentional. True Christian faith is not passive; it is lived out daily through kindness, generosity, and compassion.

> Faith that pleases God is active, not merely internal.

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2. “Doing good” reflects God’s character

Doing good means choosing what benefits others—morally, spiritually, and practically. This reflects God’s own goodness and love shown to us through Christ.

> When believers do good, they mirror God’s heart to the world.

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3. Sharing is a form of worship

Sharing includes time, resources, encouragement, hospitality, and care for those in need. The verse calls these acts “sacrifices.”

This echoes Old Testament offerings, but now:

• The sacrifice is not an animal

• The sacrifice is a generous, self-giving life

> Loving generosity has replaced ritual offerings as a way to honor God.

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4. God is pleased by love in action

The verse clearly states that God is pleased with such sacrifices. This shows that:

• God values mercy over ceremony

• God delights in compassion more than religious performance

> What pleases God most is love expressed through obedience.

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5. Christianity is both vertical and horizontal

• Vertical: Our relationship with God

• Horizontal: Our relationship with people

Hebrews 13:16 teaches that you cannot separate the two. Loving God naturally leads to loving others.

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Simple Summary

Hebrews 13:16 teaches that God is pleased when believers live out their faith by doing good and generously sharing with others—because love in action is true worship.