Just as Paul was grateful for his readers, I am thankful for you
By Dean Collins
I agree with Paul. I am grateful for all of you. And like Paul, I don’t even know all of you! What I do know is that if you are a reader, then you are likely someone who is actively seeking to grow deeper in God’s grace and love and reflect his good news to those you encounter. Paul said of his readers that because of their faith in Jesus the gospel was being proclaimed throughout the world.
Having been a disciple of Jesus for almost six decades, I have come to appreciate that none of us ever fully realizes how wide and far our reach actually is as we seek to share the good news. What I do know about some of you is that you are men and women, young and older, who pray daily, read God’s Word, and give generously to your church and to other Christian causes. And because of that, I am sure our combined impact is in fact worldwide and likely growing daily.
I pray for you
So as often as I can, I pray for you by name. I took a few minutes and reviewed the over 200 names not including the various organizations that I pray for daily. To be honest these prayers are often just bringing a name to our Heavenly Father and asking for his mercy, grace, love, healing, and wisdom to be poured out upon you. I know many of you lift my name up to our Heavenly Father as well each day. I am deeply grateful for your prayers. They strengthen me and give me resolve to do whatever I can to encourage your growth and somehow help you spread the good news of Jesus in word and deed.
It might be a function of age, but hopefully for both of us it is an indication of spiritual growth, that more and more we are increasingly unashamed to be known as followers of Jesus and to share his good news to those around us. This good news of Jesus is the power of God at work in the world, and his Word will not return void.
We live by faith and share our faith
Paul closed this section of his thoughts in the first chapter of Romans indicating that this good news is for everyone. It is for every person, every race and ethnicity, for men and women, for all who are broken, hurting, lost, wounded, discouraged, and in need of God’s love. And of course, we know that includes all of us.
It was through the faith of many who came before us that you and I came to meet Jesus. It will be our faith in Jesus that allows us to live by faith and for faith that the world may one day experience the full restoration of God when Jesus returns in glory.
So one last time, I am thankful for you today. Make it a great day for someone as you share the love of Christ in simple yet profound ways through your life and your words today.
Your time with God’s Word
Romans 1:8-17 ESV
Photo by Alexas_Fotos on Unsplash
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