GRATITUDE FOR THE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God's people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.
Romans 16:1-7 (NLT)
Paul was surrounded by really good people. They had become so dear to him that he concluded the book of Romans listing many of them by name. It seems God values community so much that He included all these people in the Bible!
Here are some observations that come to mind as I read this passage. I see the tenderness and kindness of Paul. He says Phoebe is worthy of honor. I see how this group supported each other. They spent time together. Paul calls them co- workers, meaning they were on some sort of mission together. They risked their lives, and certainly their reputations, for each other. The harmony and unity they experienced impacted so many other people's lives. They worked hard for each other. They lived in such a way that they gained the respect of others.
Community wasn't just a general concept for Paul. You can tell this because he mentioned several specific people by name. This passage gives me hope that true, beautiful, healthy community is possible.
Satan watches for vessels that sail without a convoy.
George Swinnock, Puritan Pastor.
APPLICATION: Reflect on specific people that enrich your life. Consider one or two specific ways you can strengthen those relationships this week.
PRAYER: God, You know how difficult relationships are. You see our brokenness and the way we often hurt each other. Thank You for the picture Paul paints of true friendship. I long to be part of this kind of community and to help others experience this, too. May Your Spirit knit Your church together like never before. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?