Paul expresses his thanks to God, acknowledging that he is merely a servant and a conduit for the message of the gospel of grace to everyone who is willing to receive it. As a conduit, he gives thanks to God for the faith that has been planted and demonstrated in the believers in Rome. What is faith, if not trust in God? This shared trust fosters a familial bond among believers, creating connections that surpass even those of biological relationships (Proverbs 18:24).
This family of faith unites people and draws them together, resembling a family reunion under the fatherhood of God. This longing compelled Paul to desire a visit with those in Rome who shared in faith in God, so they could grow together in love and strength in the Lord. Families that love invest in one another (Ephesians 4:11-13, Phil 2:4), nurturing each other’s spiritual growth. Paul himself learned to find strength in Christ alone (Philippians 4:12-13) and was open to receiving lessons from others (Proverbs 27:17), knowing that he had not yet achieved perfection but was in mutual need of growth (Philippians 3:12-16).
Those who trust in Christ carry the responsibility to build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Philippians 2:4). Paul felt compelled by Christ’s love to share that love with everyone.
Lord, may we be driven by your love to share the gospel with those you place in our lives, inviting others into the family of God as we strive to be conformed to your likeness and support one another.
Let us always be alert to those around us who need to see and experience Christ.
Paul had previously been known as Saul, a killer of Christians. Paul calls himself in Ephesians 3:8 the least qualified of any of the available Christians. But, he goes on to say, “8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Paul felt like the least qualified. He had every kind of roadblock imaginable stand in the way of him and his mission, but it didn’t stop him. We, like Paul, might not have a clear and easy path. We might question our own skillsets or talents. But we have the grace, goodness, and power of the Holy Spirit living within us. We are equipped for the journey.