7 Some land drinks the rain that falls on it. It produces a crop that is useful to those who farm the land. That land receives God's blessing.
8 But other land produces only thorns and weeds. That land isn't worth anything. It is in danger of coming under God's curse. In the end, it will be burned.
9 Dear friends, we have to say these things. But we are sure of better things in your case. We are talking about the things that go along with being saved.
10 God is fair. He will not forget what you have done. He will remember the love you have shown him. You showed it when you helped his people. And you show it when you keep on helping them.
11 We want each of you to be faithful to the very end. We want you to be sure of what you hope for.
12 We don't want you to slow down. Instead, be like those who have faith and are patient. They will receive what God promised.
13 When God made his promise to Abraham, he took an oath to keep it. But there was no one greater than himself to take an oath by. So he took his oath by making an appeal to himself.