“No good deed goes unpunished,” proclaimed some cynic (and many after him as well).

I know what that feels like.

So this morning I am reassured (and reenergized? not yet, anyway) by Hebrews 6:10 . . . .

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

God’s character rides on His not forgetting the service I render to His people! Just as evil is contrary to Him, so is forgetfulness of the good His people do in love. He is no more likely to forget that good than He is to sin.

I am blessed and encouraged by that.

And challenged, too. Challenged to serve those around me. In love. Beginning at home. And in my home congregation.

Not deaf. Dull. Hearing something but not being able to make out what is being said. Hearing but not getting the message.

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing” (Hebrews 5:11).

What would make my hearing dull when I read the Word or hear it taught?

Not enough interest. Not enough attention. Distraction by “more important” things — like bills to be paid, homework to be done, problems to be solved, games to be played, stories to be told, offenses to be fed, evil surmisings to be entertained, criticism to be nourished.

Here is my translation of that part of my Spanish Bible: “you have made yourselves slow to hear.”

My dullness of hearing is . . . my choice . . . the result of my actions!

I must make a different choice!