Hebrews 12:14-17

https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/passage/?q=hebrews+12:14-17

Warning and Encouragement

14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

12:14 The readers were familiar with the ceremonial cleansing ritual that prepared them for worship, and they knew they had to be holy or clean to enter the temple. Sin always blocks our vision of God; so if we want to see God, we must renounce sin and obey him (see Psalm 24:3, 4). Holiness is coupled with living in peace. A right relationship with God leads to right relationships with fellow believers. Although we will not always feel loving toward all other believers, we must pursue peace as we become more Christlike.

12:15 Like a small root that grows into a great tree, bitterness springs up in our hearts and overshadows even our deepest Christian relationships. A "bitter root" comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and immorality. When the Holy Spirit fills us, however, he can heal the hurt that causes bitterness.

12:16, 17 Esau's story shows us that mistakes and sins sometimes have lasting consequences (Genesis 25:29-34; 27:36). Even repentance and forgiveness do not always eliminate sin's consequences. How often do you make decisions based on what you want now, rather than on what you need in the long run? Evaluate the long-range effects of your decisions and actions.

It is a stark warning--one cannot change what they have done. Each and every action that we do is done. Each and every action has reactions to them. We don't realize how great our ignorance is. But the advice to keep our eyes on holiness is good. To keep our focus on God's grace is good. To live in His peace is good. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27).

Our Lord and Savior, thank You for Your promises. Help us take them seriously. As we live our lives, let us be considerate. Help us make wise decisions and take good actions led by Your Holy Spirit of Truth. Don't let us be flippant or hasty or controlled or manipulated. Instead, let us be deliberate in what we do. Remind us who we serve. With great love and respect for You, we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

A Song: https://youtube.com/watch?v=AgHrNNM23p8

Have a blessed day.