I am always amazed at the depth of relationships in Paul’s life. The guy was SUPER busy, but had deep, meaningful friendships with many. He structured his life differently than many of us do. Also, he saw the significance in deep, meaningful friendships within the churches he started. I wonder if we treat church the same way. Is it a family, a place to plug in? Often we treat it like a chore or a part of our checklist. I’d love to see that change!

He then ends the letter with a warning and some encouragement. Are you someone who causes divisions and creates obstacles for people to believe? This is not good! Repent and start today to live new! God has made Christ known both in Romans and through today. What a blessing and what a time to be alive! Let’s use our lives well, not in some self-serving humanistic way, but to the glory of the One who bought us with His life! Amen? Amen!