I’m a guy who really does want to follow Jesus and become more like Him each day. But with a performance-based background, it’s easy for me to read through the Bible and view passages as lists of things that I should be doing or need to do, rather than a way of living because of what has been done for me.
I happened to be in Hebrews 12 and 13 this morning, and the question came up: What are the things that please God?
As I looked through this, I saw a list of things.
Oh, here we go, a checklist.
Am I doing this? Am I doing this? And what about this?
Check, check, no. Oof.
The more I sat with it, the more I began to understand something.
The sacrifices that please God, referenced here, especially in the 13th chapter, begin with grace and gratitude. They start with understanding what God has done for me.
And all of these things do not happen through my own effort. They’re all through Jesus. The power to do any single one of them comes from Him.
So as I look at this now, I see a helpful way to examine myself and ask the questions: Where am I growing in each of these areas? Where are my challenges? And what are the barriers?
I find myself again asking, who am I becoming? So, let’s dive in.
Love — Hebrews 13:1
Am I continuing to love others, especially when it is difficult or costs me a lot?
Hospitality — Hebrews 13:2
Am I making space in my life for people outside of my usual circle?
Compassion — Hebrews 13:3
Am I willing to step into the suffering of others rather than stay at a distance?
Marriage — Hebrews 13:4
Do my thoughts, choices, relationships, and sexuality demonstrate that I truly honor marriage?
Contentment — Hebrews 13:5–6
What do I think I need in order to be satisfied and okay?
Leadership — Hebrews 13:7
Whose faith am I following, and is my own faith becoming worth imitating?
Grace — Hebrews 13:9
Is grace shaping my heart, or am I still trying to change myself through my own effort?
Praise — Hebrews 13:15
Am I continuing to praise God even when life isn’t what I imagined?
Generosity — Hebrews 13:16
What has God given me that I could use or share for the good of someone else?
Humility — Hebrews 13:17
Am I teachable and willing to receive guidance and correction from trustworthy spiritual leaders?
Prayer — Hebrews 13:18
Am I really depending on God through prayer, or mostly trying to handle things myself?
Reverence & Gratitude — Hebrews 12:28
Is the way I live flowing from gratitude for what God has already done for me?
Through Jesus — Hebrews 13:20–21
Am I trying to produce all of these myself, or trusting God to work in me what is pleasing to Him through Jesus?
Moving Forward
My natural tendency is to try to perform well and self-produce.
But I guess at the end of things, I’m beginning to understand that in order for these fruits to be produced in my life, I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus, remember what God has done for me, and come to Him with a thankful heart, trusting that He will help me where I need to be help and give me what is needed in all of these.
Alex Gerber
August 31, 2026
Thoughts?
gerberxc@gmail.com