Towards the end of his letter, Paul takes a break to express his gratitude to twenty-eight different people by name (and many more by reference). Paul has been travelling everywhere starting churches all over. We might understand if he didn’t remember the names of people, but here we see him sending personal greetings to over forty people.

One of the ways you express gratitude is by taking a real interest in people, asking questions, listening, showing compassion, remembering names and stories, staying in touch with them. Being an everyday disciple is being like Paul in this way, and when we are, we will make a difference in the lives of others.