“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” ( Romans 16:16)

God works through people and the reason why relationships matter the most. One person who enphasized relationships was Apostle Paul. In one letter he cited over 30 different friends whom he had established a working relationship in the cause to win souls for Christ.

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea” ( Romans 16:1), he starts. Then rememembers, “Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus” ( vv 4). He goes on to add: “Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia,my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me” ( vv 6-7).

The list of relationships in Paul’s life seems endless: “Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them” ( vv 14-15). And of course there was also, “Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews” ( vv 21).

All this leads to an important question: can you count as many relationships who feature in your life as co-workers in Christ! Paul figured out that he couldn’t do it all alone. He relied on people to get God’s work done. He noted down their names and took time to greet them personally.

We could equally pick up from him and start investing in relationships. Through these dear friend in Christ, God opens doors to extend His kingdom.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray to emphasize relationships in my life, through whom together we accomplish your work, and this I pray in Jesus’s name!