Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a practical follow-up to the previous one. After talking about offering God a sacrifice of praise with our lips (Hebrews 13:15), now we’re told to offer another kind of sacrifice—our actions.
It says, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others.” That’s simple, but powerful. It means we are called to live in a way that helps others, meets needs, and shows real love. Doing good includes acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and honesty. Sharing with others includes giving what we have—time, food, money, attention—to meet the needs of people around us.
Then it adds, “for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” That’s an amazing truth. Just like God used to be pleased with offerings in the temple, now He is pleased with lives that reflect His heart—lives that give, love, and serve.
Historical Context
The early Christians reading this letter were facing all kinds of challenges. Some had lost their property or been thrown in prison for their faith (Hebrews 10:34). Others were likely struggling financially or socially. So the writer reminds them that even in hard times, they shouldn’t stop doing good and sharing with one another.
In the Jewish background of these believers, sacrifices were central to worship. But now, under the new covenant, worship isn’t about animals on an altar—it’s about how you live every day. Helping others became an act of worship.
In a community where believers were often rejected by the world, sharing with each other was not just a nice idea—it was a way to survive and stay strong together.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that worship isn’t just vertical (toward God); it’s also horizontal (toward others). When we help someone in need or share what we have, we’re not just being nice—we’re honoring God.
It also shows that good works are a result of salvation, not a way to earn it. These actions are described as sacrifices, not payments. They don’t buy us favor with God—they show that we belong to Him and want to live like Him.
This kind of worship pleases God. That tells us something about His character—He delights in mercy, generosity, and love in action.
Literary Analysis
Hebrews 13:16 uses simple, straightforward language. The phrase “do not forget” shows this is something that could easily be overlooked. It’s easy to talk about faith, but forget to live it in practical ways.
The two actions—doing good and sharing with others—cover both general kindness and specific generosity. Together, they paint a picture of a life that puts others first.
The phrase “such sacrifices God is pleased with” ties this verse back to Old Testament language while showing how things have changed. The sacrifices God now desires are made not with animals, but with loving hands and willing hearts.
Biblical Cross-References
- Micah 6:8 – “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows…”
- Galatians 6:10 – “Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them… let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
- Romans 12:13 – “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
All these verses reinforce the truth that real faith shows up in real-life actions.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For us today, this verse is a reminder not to overcomplicate what it means to live for God. It’s not just about having the right beliefs or attending the right services—it’s about living in love.
Doing good and sharing with others isn’t always convenient. It may cost us time, money, or comfort. But when we give in these ways, God sees it as worship.
This verse also challenges us to keep our eyes open. It says “do not forget.” That means we have to be intentional—looking for opportunities to do good, noticing the needs of others, and choosing to step in instead of stepping back.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God is not distant or indifferent. He’s a God who cares for the hurting, the poor, and the broken. And because He loves people, He’s pleased when we do the same.
This verse shows us that God isn’t only honored by grand gestures—He’s honored by simple, faithful acts of kindness and generosity. A loving God delights when His children reflect His love to one another.
It also shows that God pays attention to the details of our lives. He sees the good we do, even if no one else notices. And He is pleased.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus lived out this verse perfectly. He spent His time doing good—healing, feeding, teaching, and helping. He shared everything, including His very life.
Through His death, Jesus offered the ultimate sacrifice. But His life also showed the beauty of daily, practical sacrifice. He gave to others, served others, and cared deeply for people in need.
Now, as His followers, we’re called to walk in His steps. We don’t do good to earn His love—we do good because we’ve received it. We share with others because Jesus first shared Himself with us (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there people around you right now who need your help—but you’ve overlooked them?
- What does “doing good” look like in your daily life?
- Are you generous with what you have—or are you holding back?
- How does it encourage you to know that God is pleased with even small acts of kindness?
- What’s one way you can live this verse out this week?