Interest

January 9, 2026 - Interest 

Share highs, lows and God moments

Romans 16: 8-12

⁸Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. ⁹Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. ¹⁰Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. ¹¹Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. ¹²Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

The book of Romans is a lengthy letter written to Christians in Rome by the Apostle Paul. In chapter 16, Paul requests at length that several people are greeted on his behalf. It's not really the most riveting section in Romans. However, it’s worth considering … how the heck did he get to know all those people? People he considered worthy of special greetings? Perhaps people he considered to be friends?

Most likely, at some place and point in time he showed an interest in them. Or they in him. They shared a moment or many moments. Good times and/or hardships. 

The word “interest” has several definitions. For example, we can show an interest and we can share interests. Just for fun, here’s a thesaurus list of words for “interest” that could pertain to friendship: attentiveness, regard, heed, curiosity, enjoyment, delight, appeal, fascination, concern, care, attract, engross, captivate, and—last but not least—amuse. 

It’s possible Paul didn’t know all of these people equally. Some might've been closer friends than others. We have friendships like that too. All valuable. All a blessing. We just know some friends better than others. But something they have in common is they all started with “interest.” 

Things to ponder: how can we actively show an interest in our friends or in someone we’d like to have as a friend? Think of a friend and what first interested you in that person (everyone share if there’s time). 

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for our friends. Bless them with your love, keep them in your peace and fill them with joy. Help us to be the friends they are to us, cherishing this gift. AMEN