When Paul was in prison in Rome, he didn’t waste any time. He encouraged his brothers and sisters in Christ—those who were in Rome and those who were in churches he had visited along his travels. He wrote letters because he loved the believers and wanted to remind them to love one another too. Just like Paul, we can encourage one another to love people, because Jesus loved us first.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Did you know that in Paul’s day there was no postal service? A courier had to take a letter by foot, even if it meant he crossed hundreds of miles! Have you ever sent a letter in the mail? How many miles did it travel?
Paul wrote letters while he was in prison to share encouragement and hope. You can write letters to people who need hope too. Find a local hospital or nursing home, and write a card with encouragement and reminders of God’s love to people who are suffering or lonely. Send the card in the mail or deliver it yourself to someone who is in a hospital or nursing home near you.
God, thank You for loving us and giving us the perfect example of love through Your Son, Jesus. Amen.