Tested, tried, and proven in Christ.

Romans 16:10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Our encouragement to live to love with Jesus today comes from Paul’s commendation of Apelles, the approved in Christ. The word translated approved comes from a word meaning someone who has been received on the basis of passing a test. Therefore, we might think of Apelles as a man whose faith Paul knew had been tested by God and who had passed the test with flying colors. Paul used the same word approved in his letter to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and in part I believe it. For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you.” Paul’s insight into the purpose for divisions and conflicts in relationships is important for us all who wish to love with Jesus. God’s purpose in allowing divisions is that it tests the authenticity and source of one’s faith. Those whom God has approved of in Christ become evident as they are tested but still love. They demonstrate the realities of which Paul wrote in Rom. 14-15. If God has received a brother or sister through the work of Christ on the cross and on the basis of His righteousness, then they receive the brother or sister in spite of their differences of opinion. Their passing the test or trial reveals that they are approved of by God, in Christ Jesus. Apelles’ faith had been tested, tried, and proven. He had loved when the chips were down, when the going was tough, when others would have quit or caved. That’s what living to love with Jesus looks like when we’re tested. Remember this definition of God’s love: the sustained direction of the will toward the highest good of another, no matter what the cost, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of God. Apelles had proven God’s love, and that’s why Paul greeted him. May we purpose in our wills to love whoever God puts in our paths today, regardless of how difficult it may be. In so doing we join Apelles as those who are approved in Christ.