The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Hebrews 13:1-5, “Let love of the brethren continue.

2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

5 Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,”

It is my studied belief that the Apostle Paul wrote Hebrews. He is coming to the end of his life and he wants desperately to convey to his fellow-believers the things that matter. Love other believers is his initial instruction. Then love strangers by showing them hospitality. Feed and shelter them because you never know how important those strangers may be. Don’t forget those who are in prisons for their faith. Put yourself in their place. Think of yourself as if you were a prisoner with them. Be faithful in your marriage. Let your love be focused on your marriage partner, not on others. And finally, keep your character free from the love of money. Live within your means and be satisfied. The LORD will provide everything you need. He will never forsake you!

Reading this we might ask, “Paul, what’s wrong with being rich? Wasn’t Abraham rich? Wasn’t Solomon rich? What’s wrong with my having money like they did?” If you’re reading closely what he wrote, you’ll see that he does not say there is anything wrong with being rich. Rather, he says don’t fall in love with money! The Bible says, “…remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth…” (Psa. 37:25). And if He is responsible for the money you have, what you do with it is also His business. So, set your focus on Him, not on what He has given you! The psalmist says, “I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, or his descendants begging bread” (Psa. 37:25).

No, money itself is not evil, but “…the love of money is the root of all evil…” and many who have coveted wealth, have fallen away from the faith, and have brought many sorrows into their own lives (1 Tim. 6:10). Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you…” For the standard your set will be used against you in return (Lk. 6:38). Think about it!

We love and pray earnestly for you every day,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”