Be servants to Jesus’ body.

Romans 16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; As we read through Romans 16, we are going to draw encouragement from the people who were dear to Paul. In most cases he commented on them which gives us encouragement to love for the glory of God. As we read about them, let’s keep in mind that anything commendable flows out of the life of Jesus in them. Why Paul started off commending Phoebe is not known. But her servant’s attitude and lifestyle in the church in Cenchrea deserved mentioning. We can assume Phoebe was loving her brothers and sisters in Christ as she served the church. It’s not like they had a building and she had a position of service in the congregation when they met there. That might be how we imagine someone who is a servant of the church. Rather, she probably was like Dorcas, who is mentioned in Acts 9:36, 39. “Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.” Servants usually do practical things to help others out of love for Jesus and for those they serve. Does this encourage you like it does me? It makes me ask the Holy Spirit to help me notice practical, small ways I can serve others. Are we engaged consistently with others so that we know what the needs of our brothers and sisters are? I’m always impressed and inspired by people who notice what needs to be done before anyone else does, and then moves into action. I’m guessing that’s the kind of woman Phoebe was. The next verse tells us that she was a helper of many as well as Paul. I hope our pastors and brothers and sisters would commend us because we are living to love with Jesus and have a servant’s heart and ministry. It’s the least we can do considering how Jesus has served us. May it be said about you and me that we are servants to the body of Christ, for the glory of God.