Romans Part 6: RESPONSESample

Community is a Must!

What an amazing chapter! In it, Paul greeted at least twenty-six people by name, as well as two unnamed saints, and he also greeted several churches that were meeting in homes. He closes with greetings from nine believers who were with him in Corinth when he wrote the letter. Now, if you dive deep into the text and look up the individuals Paul speaks of and read some biographies, what you will find is a rich history of God using ordinary people to change the world.

So, what is the significance of this? One thing that sticks out is that Paul was a friend-maker and a soul-winner. He did not try to live an isolated life; he had friends in the Lord, and he appreciated them. They were a help to him personally and to his ministry. If you look at scripture, I think it safe to say people whom God has used the most were people who could make friends. The Love of Christ was overflowing from their lives in a way that those who surrounded them were changed by Jesus because Jesus changed everything. While there may be a place for the secluded saint who lives alone with God, I believe that most of us need each other. We are sheep, and sheep flock together.

Are you doing ministry in the community? With friends and family? If so, first, take time to thank God for the people God has put around you. Secondly, thank those who do ministry with you, personally reminding them that God uses them to make you better. If you are doing ministry on your own, take a chance and connect with other believers who can encourage and make you more effective in the ministry God has given you.

-Justin Lopes