“Greet . . my co-workers in the ministry for Christ Jesus.” Romans 16:3 NLT
“Some measure of God’s blessing is reserved for people who need people.”
My thoughts and comments today are about “people who need people.”
There are a few people who tolerate others; even some who use others. But then there are people who need and appreciate people. Barbra Streisand memorably sang, “People who need people, Are the luckiest people in the world. We’re children, needing other children, And yet letting a grown-up pride, Hide all the need inside. Acting more like children than children.” You can tell the difference when you are around people who need people, who really like and appreciate people. You feel special to be with them, glad to be counted their friend, and appreciated for who you are not what you have.
Jesus was like that. Others sought to be in His company. He walked with equal ease among the common as well as the consequential. Poor and wealthy alike respected His words and prized His wisdom. He valued every person, and saw their good and potential whatever their history or social status. No wonder Jesus was criticized as being a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew 11:19. Jesus did not die to preserve a government or a system of society; Jesus died for people, for sinners, for you and me.
I think that some measure of God’s blessing is reserved for those people who need people, as Jesus did. When you honor people, recognize their talents and promote their abilities, honor them for their contribution, encourage them to realize their greater potential, and bless them as they move into their future – God honors you as you have honored them.
God told Abraham, “I will bless you and I will make you a blessing to others . . all the families of the earth shall be blessed by you.” Genesis 12:2-3. There is some dimension of the blessings of God that is connected to your willingness to be a channel of His blessing to others. Consider the people who helped you along the way, who pointed you on the right path and promoted your getting there successfully. Where would you be if they had not needed you? You should pass such kindness on to others with even more generous measure. Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely also give.” Matthew 10:8. People who need people – in righteous ways and for Godly reasons – are marked for the favor and honor of the Lord.
“Greet . . my co-workers in the ministry for Christ Jesus.” Romans 16:3 NLT. With those words, Paul begins a litany of people highly regarded that he needed and appreciated: Phoebe, Priscilla and Acquila, Epenetus, Mary, Andronicus and Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, as many as twenty-four names as well as “all the other believers who are with them.” Vs 15. All were indispensable “co-workers in the ministry for Christ Jesus.” People – some ordinary, some exceptional – each a significant contributor to who Paul was and all he did. Those people were names not numbers, his friends not acquaintances. Whose names come to mind that hold such a place in your life?
The names may sound strange and unfamiliar to you, but in Paul’s heart each name brought memories of people he held in great, personal esteem and gratefulness. Remember, you can buy things and replace them as you want, but people are never replaceable. Prize them highly; treat them kindly. You need people in your life more than you might realize at a particular moment.
My prayer for you today is that you value the people God places in your life.