How can we emulate the love Paul shows in Romans 16:8 today? Setting the Scene in Romans 16:8 “Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.” (Romans 16:8) One short sentence, yet it pulses with genuine affection. Paul doesn’t toss off a generic “hello.” He calls Ampliatus “my beloved,” anchoring the love “in the Lord.” That literal phraseology tells us the bond is rooted in Christ Himself, not in convenience or personality. What Made Paul’s Love Visible • Personal recognition—Ampliatus is named individually. • Public affirmation—Paul lets the entire Roman church know how dear this brother is. • Christ-centered affection—“in the Lord” signals spiritual kinship deeper than blood. • Social boundary crossing—historical evidence suggests Ampliatus may have been a slave; Paul’s esteem ignores worldly status. • Gospel partnership—Paul’s greetings in this chapter highlight teammates, not spectators. Practical Ways to Mirror This Love Today 1. Learn and use believers’ names; refuse to let anyone stay anonymous in the assembly. 2. Offer warm, eye-to-eye greetings—handshakes, hugs, or culturally appropriate gestures that convey, “You matter.” (Romans 16:16) 3. Speak words of honor publicly: “My dear sister,” “my brother whom I love.” Let edifying speech replace casual chatter. (Ephesians 4:29) 4. Break through social, racial, and economic lines. Sit with those who sit alone; invite them to your table. (James 2:1-4) 5. Display tangible care—meals delivered, errands run, childcare offered, hospital visits made. Love has feet. (Galatians 6:10) 6. Pray by name. Paul constantly mentions people in prayer (Romans 1:9); do likewise. 7. Defend reputations. When slander surfaces, stand up for your “beloved in the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:9) 8. Celebrate others’ successes; mourn their losses. Shared joys double, shared sorrows halve. (1 Corinthians 12:26) 9. Serve side-by-side in the gospel: outreach, missions, discipleship. Partnership cements affection. (Philippians 1:3-5) 10. Persist—love that flickers only on Sundays isn’t biblical love. Daily, continuous commitment reflects Paul’s pattern. (Hebrews 13:1) Supporting Scriptures That Fuel This Love • John 13:34: “A new commandment I give you: that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” • Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” • Colossians 3:12-14: “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.” • 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” Putting It Into Motion This Week • Text or call one church member each day with a word of encouragement. • Invite a newer believer for coffee and learn their story. • Arrive early Sunday to greet, not glide in late. • Write a short note of thanks to a ministry volunteer. • Look for the person on the fringe after the service—walk toward them, not past them. Closing Charge Paul’s single sentence to Ampliatus vibrates across centuries: real names, real affection, real Jesus-centered love. Let’s wear that same heart, greet our own Ampliatuses, and prove to a watching world that the family of God is alive with holy affection. |
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