Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Women: The Apostles of Christ

Romans 16:1-6

The greeting in Paul’s letter to the Romans (16:1-6) is an outpouring of his great deal of affection towards all the saints. This is a loving salutation, most notable among them were women. Both Christ and his apostles had some of their best friends among the devout women. Paul identifies the lasting contributions that these women made on his personal life and the church. Some of these women were called “helpers”, some served as leaders, some extended hospitality and some others even risked their lives for the mission of spreading the gospel. They were helping faithful ministers and that lay out themselves in their families and among their neighbors to do good to souls.
Special respect is to be paid to those that set out early, and come to work in the vineyard at the first hour, at the first call. Paul had a wonderful support system, with many people working in partnership with him and people he could call on for prayer and support. Their faithfulness was instrumental in laying the foundation of the church.
They were warm, open and personal. As children and daughters of the Most High, we need to remember that God has created each of us for a purpose. God has carefully placed gifts, talents, and “callings” inside of us and He wants us to utilize these for His glory. St. Paul truly loved Christ, he loved those who belonged to Christ, they were his spiritual family and here we see what I would call the strengthening of the bond of grace that has been sealed by the Master in all of our lives. We should share our light with others and never be stopped by the idea that we should shrink back and restrict us to the mold that world wants for us. Just like the women in this passage, our role is to be faithful to God in the calling He has for us.

Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that I do not walk this journey alone, but that you have given me numerous brothers and sisters with whom I can share the journey of faith. Let my friendship with them deepen, as we grow together to spiritual maturity. Show us to live and follow You wholeheartedly just like the women in this passage. Amen.

Thought for the Day
‘Being a praying woman doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days. It means I am willing to find beauty, even in the ugliest days’ 
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Preema Mary Cheriyan, W/O Rev. George Abraham
Sinai Mar Thoma Center, New York 

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