By Annaika Dastine | Founder, Who Is This Jesus? Ministry

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."

As I reflected on Romans 1:8, two lessons immediately stood out to me.

Gratitude…

Paul did not praise the Roman believers for their wealth, influence, or accomplishments. Instead, he thanked God through Jesus Christ, acknowledging that every good thing in them was the result of God's grace.

What a reminder for us.

How often do we focus on our gifts, abilities, or successes instead of giving God the glory? Everything we have and everything we become is because of His grace.

Why was the faith of the Roman church being talked about throughout the world?

To answer that question, we must remember where they lived. Rome was the center of the Roman Empire—a culture marked by idolatry, emperor worship, immorality, injustice, and growing hostility toward Christians. Yet, in the midst of that darkness, the believers remained faithful to Jesus Christ.

What did people see in them?

I believe they saw lives transformed by the gospel.

Their faith was evident through their obedience, perseverance, love, holiness, and unwavering loyalty to Christ. They were not merely hearers of God's Word—they lived it.

Jesus said:

"If you love Me, keep My commands." (John 14:15, NIV)

Their lives reflected the words of Jesus, and their testimony pointed others to Him.

The same is true for us today. We are the church wherever we go. Our lives should reflect the transforming power of the gospel so that others see Christ in us and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Reflection:

If people were talking about your faith, what would they say?

Would they describe someone who simply professes Christ, or someone whose life consistently reflects Him?

May our greatest testimony never be our achievements in the world or in what God has accomplished in you, but a life that faithfully points others to Jesus Christ.

Weekly Scripture Romans 1:8 NIV