Hebrews 13:5(b)
Hebrews 13:5(b) – “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.
This text gives us the encouragement and motivation for resisting two common temptations that face us as believers, namely, greed and the fear of man.
Greed is addressed in the previous part of the verse. It can and does conflict with our faith in the Saviour and ruins friendships. Greed causes us to isolate ourselves and devalue other people as people. Greed is not the same as being wealthy by means of hard work and wise planning. It is an attitude of self-centredness and a disregard for the well-being of others.
The fear of man is found in the following verse. In its original context it referred to persecution; imprisonment or death. For many in the world today that is the situation they face daily.
For us the fear of man is fear of being unsure of ourselves and being made to look foolish when we witness for the Lord. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you and learn from those who are gifted in this area. Remember that God will never leave you nor forsake you.