Greet also the church that meets at their house.

— Romans 16:5

Paul was a traveling preacher on mission for the Lord Jesus, and Priscilla and Aquila welcomed him to stay and work with them (see Acts 18). They knew the importance of the gospel and were willing to do what it took to help share God’s love in their community. Priscilla and Aquila offered genuine hospitality and were not afraid to open their home to others so that the good news of Jesus could be preached. And when Paul greets many of his friends in Romans 16, he calls on them to greet the church that met in Priscilla and Aquila’s home. We need to pay attention when God gives us people to share with. They might be tired and worn out, needing rest and a listening ear, or they might be eager and needing direction for something God has been preparing them to do. Not long ago, at an event where I was speaking, an older woman came up to me and said, with a twinkle in her eye, “It’s your fault.” I wasn’t sure what she meant, but she explained that at another gathering about a year earlier, I had told a story that had inspired her. She then began opening her home for a weekly Bible study that is now blossoming in her neighborhood. I am not sure if she would consider herself a person of peace, but I suspect that Jesus does. In what ways have you been encouraged to step out and risk doing something new for the sake of the gospel? 

Thank you, God, for opportunities to show hospitality and to share your love with others. Help us to be a voice of encouragement to all. Amen