Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 6Sample

Hebrews chapter 1 presents us with a beautiful picture of the greatness of Jesus Christ. The author writes that Jesus is the exact representation of God's being and that He upholds the universe through His powerful word. This chapter reminds us of the majesty and supremacy of Christ and the role that faith and love play in our relationship with Him.

Firstly, faith believes that He is who He says He is. We believe Jesus Christ reveals God’s ultimate opinion (or ‘word’) to mankind! The author of Hebrews tells us that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. As believers, we have faith in the truth of who Jesus is and how He is the example of us in God’s intentions with us! Faith believes this even though we have not seen Him with our physical eyes. This faith in Christ allows us to trust God with our lives and believe that He is working all things together for our good.

"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Hebrews 1:9 NIV

Secondly, love is essential in our relationship with Christ because it is the foundation of our obedience to Him. Love celebrates what is righteous and defers whatever is wicked! The author of Hebrews writes that Jesus was anointed with the oil of joy above His companions because He loved righteousness and hated wickedness. As followers of Christ, we are recreated to love what He loves and hate what He hates. This means that we can walk “in step” with Him, which is the fruit of our love relationship with Him.

Furthermore, the love of Christ compels us to love others as He loves us. The author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Therefore, when we love others, we reflect Christ's love on them and point them toward the Father.

Here is a possible application for today: What relationship you will engage in today needs you to reflect on your faith and love the most? Why don’t you visualize your engagement in that relationship before executing it?