You are. You Really Are.

…through Jesus Christ our Lord, we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6

I like the way Paul starts a letter. Wouldn't you feel special if you got a letter that started like this?

You are favored by Jesus, Himself (received grace).

 

You have been especially chosen by Christ for a specific job (apostleship.)

You cause others to want to follow Christ (bring about the obedience of the faith.)

You are accepted into an otherwise closed circle of family because of the authority of Christ (among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake.)

You have been invited by Jesus to this extraordinary place in this fellowship (you are also called of Jesus Christ.)

You are personally loved by God (all who are beloved of God.)

You are different from everyone else because you are like Christ (called as saints.)

You are one of God’s favorite (grace to you.)

You are an integral part of this family of God and because of you it is whole and brings a feeling of completeness (and peace.)

Well, we have received this letter so these words are implied as for us too. You are special in God’s eyes. He has a wonderful plan just for you. Jesus Christ through Paul’s letter speaks to us individually not just to the whole group but directly to you and me. This is what God thinks about me. This is what God thinks about you.

There are just some times in our lives we need to be reminded of the special place we have in God’s heart. Thanks to Paul we have this as our starting reference point.

Wow, what a way to comfort and encourage someone. It reminds me of that quote from the book, The Help, when the help is reassuring the child in her care: “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” (Kathryn Stockett)

God says to you and me, “You are loved. You are chosen. You are my favorite.”

You are. You really are.