Today’s passage: Hebrews 12:12-17
Helpful thoughts:
- It can be easy to convince ourselves that the path to healing is to sit on the sidelines and remain inactive. That is not true.
- Verses 12 and 13 say the opposite. We need to plan to grow, plan to serve (“Make straight paths for your feet”) and run the race (12:1). This is the path to healing after hardship.
- Bitterness does not only affect the one who is bitter (Verse 15).
- Following our whims and passions will not lead to holiness (Verses 16-17).
Questions to consider:
- There is a putting off of the old man and putting on of the new on display in this passage (Ephesians 4:22-24). What is being put off and what is being put on? Can you maintain both the old and the new simultaneously or will one displace the other?
- Reading the context of these verses, what hardships can bring about bitterness and what actions can help remove bitterness?
- What is the “straight path” you need to set before you? Who could you talk with to help you discern this and encourage you when you need help to “lift your hands” and “strengthen your knees?” How does this need for community go hand-in-hand with the instruction of Hebrews 10:23-25?