I am reading She Reads Truth Romans Study. It has been a challenge for me as Romans is hard for me to fully grasp. Today I read Romans 16:
As I read this passage I was just thinking of all the people Paul greeted in this letter and his encouragement as to why we should greet them. It reminds me names matter, that individuals matter in the Kingdom of God. It reminds me that Jesus is the common denominator to all these people.

It makes me think of what who I would greet if I was Paul: how would I describe the people around me? How would Paul described me?
Am I greeting others and finding tangible ways to help my brothers and sisters in Christ? Or do I compare myself to them? Do I complain about others, or do I focus on what the Lord has given me to do and do it with a grateful heart? Do I work hard in the Lord, or do I just barely try, hoping no one will notice?
The Good News of the Gospel is we don’t have to strive to prove ourselves worthy to God. We have a perfect Savior Jesus who died on the cross for our sins so we would have eternal life. When God sees us, He sees the blood of Jesus poured out for our sins. So even if you read this and think, “I don’t greet others, actually I get annoyed by Christians,” you can come humbly to God and ask Him to change your heart. Pray for tangible ways to serve one another. I think when we serve God and love each other while serving, God’s Kingdom is furthered more than we can ever imagine! I pray we would be people who love our brothers and sisters in Christ and greet each other with a grateful heart!
Trudy Woodward
Permanent Supportive Housing Director