Romans 16 - remember those in front of you

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7)

Paul acknowledges that Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before him. In fact, many of the apostles and believers were following Jesus before Paul began his journey.

Although Paul went on to become one of the great workers of God, and writing many of the epistles as found in the Bible today, yet, we see how Paul acknowledges the faith and works of the seniors before him.

Today, there must have been many chances when we have been taught and led by those in front of us, and many of them are indeed pleased to see the young excelling beyond what the old was (青出于蓝).

However, we as the younger generation ought not to be puffed up, but continue to be humble to learn from the older ones, especially those whose walk in Christ is longer than ours.

Let us not think that they are old and obsolete, or that their experience in the faith are already things of the past. Because our God is a living God. The same God had touched them and led them. The same God is leading us by the hand today.

These people therefore were in Christ before us. They have heard and seen more. They have experienced more. They have have been touched more. And I believe there will always be something more for us to learn from them, only if we are willing to sit down and listen.

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:7-8)

Romans 15 - Pass the love on

For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (Romans 15:26-27)

A beautiful exchange.

Do we sometimes also feel that we are in debt to certain people? It could be their unceasing love and concern for us. It could be their unwavering belief in us. It could be their faithful sowing of the seed of God's word in us. It could be their constant acts of love towards us. It could be also in terms of material needs; they are always the ones to pay for our meals.

They are the givers.
We merely receive.

Seems unfair, doesn't it?
Isn't one taking advantage of the other?

However, it appears that in the kingdom of God, equality and fairness are given a different definition from the one that the world commonly knows.

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)

It may be that at the present moment I can only be at the receiving end, but I gladly and humbly accept. Because I know that someday, I will do the same for these people, when the need arise and when I have the resources to do so.

If not, I will pass the love forward, to their next generation, repaying the same kindness to their children.... and in turn, their children will care for my children... and it goes on...

Love gets passed on.
God's love. :)

Let us be humble to accept the love and care of others while remembering this debt which we will, in due time, pass it on.

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's love, once you've experienced it:
You spread His love to everyone, you want to pass it on.