9-1-19
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
“Philadelphia Freedom”
Hebrews ends with encouragement and instructions – including exhortation to live in “philadephia” – translated as “mutual love” by the NRSV. Sometimes it seems like lists of instructions about behavior and community life are restrictive, overbearing, and, frankly, designed to make us feel trapped. The gospel offers us freedom, however. What does it mean to think about the way of life suggested by Hebrews as freeing? How does orienting our relationships around mutual love and hospitality open us to joy, new life, and stronger communities?