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Verse

Hebrews 13:16

ESV Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
NIV And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
NASB And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
CSB Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
NLT And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
KJV But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
NKJV But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

What does Hebrews 13:16 mean?

Christians are often commanded to do good for others (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 1 Peter 4:10). This is never presented as a means to obtain salvation, or to earn redemption from God. On the contrary, Scripture makes it clear that good deeds can never rescue us from sin (Galatians 3:10–14; Romans 11:6). The only thing that justifies us before God is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When we accept that, by faith, we can be reconciled with God. Good works, then, are not what justifies us before God; they are the natural, expected outcome of this relationship (James 2:17–18).

The prior verse noted that our willingness to do good for others is tied to our praise of God. Those who are saved ought to be thankful and joyful (Hebrews 12:3–12). Joy should inspire good works, done for others, as an act of worship. Jesus accomplished all of the sacrifice needed to save our souls (Hebrews 9:24–26), so our sacrifice should only be out of love and praise for Him (Hebrews 13:15).
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