My brothers and sisters, I myself am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and are able to teach each other. But I’ve written to you in a sort of daring way, partly to remind you of what you already know. I’m writing to you in this way because of the grace that was given to me by God. It helps me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I’m working as a priest of God’s gospel so that the offering of the Gentiles can be acceptable and made holy by the Holy Spirit. So in Christ Jesus I brag about things that have to do with God. I don’t dare speak about anything except what Christ has done through me to bring about the obedience of the Gentiles. He did it by what I’ve said and what I’ve done, by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of God’s Spirit. So I’ve completed the circuit of preaching Christ’s gospel from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum. In this way, I have a goal to preach the gospel where they haven’t heard of Christ yet, so that I won’t be building on someone else’s foundation. Instead, as it’s written, Those who hadn’t been told about him will see, and those who hadn’t heard will understand. (Romans 15:14-21, CEB)
Paul here is trying to convince the Romans to let him use their congregation as a jumping-off point for a mission into Spain and parts of the world that have not heard the news of Jesus. He writes them, “I have a goal to preach the gospel where they haven’t heard of Christ yet.” And shouldn’t that be all of our goals?
To share Christ through our lives?
To have every word we speak and every action we do to proclaim the love of God?
St. Francis of Assisi is often attributed with the quote, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words.” It is a great thought, but it really can not be traced to St. Francis. And yet, it is a way we should all choose to live.
That every action we do points to God. Our lives will just ooze God’s love and show that mercy and grace abound.
Live a life that can not be doubted and shows God’s love. It is a life of integrity. Say what you mean and mean what you say and show God’s love in everything you do.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 