Romans 1:8 CSB

[8] First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.

Romans 1:8 CSB

Lots of things pop into mind when I read this;

1. How do I get on Paul's top 10 list of Christians?

2. Their church must be "the" place to be on Sunday

3. Am I doing enough? Maybe I need to do more

What comes to mind for you?

And then I look again at what Paul is reporting to others about?

Their faith.

The Greek word Paul uses is "pistis" which means persuaded by, carries the meaning of a guarantee, a warranty. Paul is holding these people up as a model to the world not because of what they do, but who they are.

We are not human doings, we are human beings.

They have been persuaded by, moved by, live by, the truth claims of Jesus.

That's what makes them famous in Paul's world.

Whatever our story is, our circumstances today, we are invited to be persuaded anew by Jesus, who He is, listen for His voice, be persuaded by Him (& as you do, let Him remind you that you are Beloved, you do matter, He has given you a voice, Life, and wants you to live in Him, held, secure, Beloved).

#letters

#redemptivestrands #hopeishere 

#including you