The glorious ripple effect of God’s love

Romans 16:4-5 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. There are two encouragements in this verse that I wish to draw your attention when it comes to living to love with Jesus. First, look at the example of Prisca and Aquila. Paul said they had risked their own lives for Paul. We aren’t given any details, but apparently Paul was in danger, and they in some way identified with him to the extent that their own lives were in danger. Their service to Paul impacted all of the Gentile churches. This encourages us that when we love and serve others, we aren’t just loving them. We are also loving those that they love and serve. There’s a ripple effect of which we should be aware. This makes me think of the people that invested their lives in my parents, my spiritual mentors, pastors, and others from whom I have or do draw spiritual encouragement. They are to me what Prisca and Aquila were to the churches of the Gentiles. Indirect blessings of God for whom we ought to give thanks. Second, let’s be encouraged today by the fact that as we love those God puts in our paths today, there are people “downstream” figuratively speaking who will benefit. Hopefully someday, they will give thanks and glory to God for His grace through us to those who love them directly. God’s administration of His love to the body of Christ extends way beyond what we usually see or are aware of. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s gratitude for Prisca and Aquila was drawn from a grand view of the grace of God poured out by the Spirit on a glorious scale. We live to love with Jesus to make disciples who live to love with Jesus, who make disciples who live to love with Jesus, who…well you get the idea. That’s how the kingdom of God rolls. One after another laying down their lives for those who they know are precious to the Lord and serving Him faithfully. Let’s pause before signing off today and give thanks to God for those whom God used to bless those who have blessed us. Father in heaven, thank You for those who laid down their lives to point those who have loved us to Jesus so they could be a blessing to us. You can see all of their lives as I’m praying. You knew You were loving us as You loved them and gave them grace to love our parents, mentors, coaches, teachers, pastors, youth ministers, choir directors, worship leaders, disciplers, and friends. We give You thanks for the many who have directly impacted our lives and for those who indirectly contributed to our blessing in Christ by loving them. Bless and encourage them today as you did Prisca and Aquila the day this letter was read in Rome.