Category Archives: Romans

“Who have for my life laid down their own necks” (Romans 16:4).

This closing chapter of Romans impresses me with the many friends Paul singled out for mention.

And in the Holy Scriptures at that!

These were all people who contributed to Paul’s life.

He was who he was and accomplished what he accomplished, thanks, in part, to these folks.

He wasn’t too famous or important or independent to need friends who could help him, support him, encourage him, and pray for him.

That’s the kind of friend I want to be.

And I certainly need more of that kind of friend.

It’s up to me, I know.

May the Lord help me to broaden my circle of friends.

My grandson Trey is old enough to roll over but too young to sit up. His knowledge is too puny to know how to do that. His physical strength is too feeble to get in that position and hold it. His sense of balance is too weak to keep him steady and upright.

The rest of us in our household do not (generally) use our strength to take advantage of his weakness.

Rather, we who are strong use that strength for his benefit, blessing, and well-being.

In doing so, we often receive joy, delight, and blessing in return.

And that’s how God intends life and relationships to be!

Physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, financial, educational — all the strengths He gives us, He gives us to use to . . . . Well, just read what He says:

“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).