Romans 1:5-7

“To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” vs. 7

Just imagine the joy that Paul felt as he proclaimed the good news of Jesus to the Romans. For the first time in recorded history the walls so carefully constructed by the Jews to protect the gift of the law had been broken down. In Christ the gates had been opened wide and all people were now being welcomed into the Peaceable Kingdom. And Paul had been called by Jesus himself to be an apostle. He had been given a message of love and forgiveness, and he’d been sent to proclaim that good news to people who had always considered themselves to be excluded. Not only were they God’s beloved, they had been called to be saints. Paul must have been ecstatic! What’s more, we have that same calling! For one reason or another there are countless people among our acquaintances who don’t consider themselves included in the family of God. They know nothing of God’s grace and peace. They may not even know that God loves them. And now we have the God-given privilege to let them know that they are indeed loved, and that it is God’s desire that they live grace-filled and peaceful lives. It’s a powerful message, and when we can pull together the courage to say the words, it’s a gift to see the response.

Thought for the Day: When I share the message of God’s love, what happens?