Thank you to Pat for this week’s MWB
“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me too.”– Romans 16:13
Romans 16:13 is a heartfelt greeting that Paul extends at the end of his letter to the Romans. This verse, along with others that we will look at over the next couple of weeks, recognises valued contributions from several individuals and the importance of the extended church community as family. Paul mentions Rufus by name and emphases that he is “chosen in the Lord.” connecting Rufus’ actions with God’s divine purpose and acknowledging his role as such within the church. Paul refers to Rufus’s mother as someone who played a significant maternal role in his life. The specificity of this greeting serves not only as a personal touch but also illustrates the close-knit relationships Paul formed within the church, illustrating the concept of true community within God’s family.
Through the years I have experienced valuable close relationships within the church and been blessed to have someone whom I consider as a spiritual mother. So I certainly identify with Paul’s greeting and thankfulness for Rufus and his mothers’ presence in his life. These types of relationships can be more poignant when biological family are not believers or one is far from family, locationally or even emotionally speaking. I am also grateful as the years have gone along to move into that position of supporting and mentoring others on their Christian journey.
Perhaps you were blessed growing up in Christian family with members who guided and taught you, or perhaps like me you can recognise mature and wise believers whom God has put in your life. So thank God for your biological family and also for those Christians who have shaped, nurtured and encouraged your walk of faith. You could write and thank them for their contribution or if no longer with us, praise God for sending them into your life.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for our family and your family, the church. We thank you for those who have been an encouraging role model to us, and have been a support through challenging or difficult times. We pray that your Holy Spirit will equip us to be good examples to others and that we would aim to show love and wise counsel to those around us and build real community and relationships in our church family. In Jesus’ name. Amen