ROMANS 1:7 BELOVED OF GOD These set-apart people from all over the world are not called perfect people, or very intelligent people, or famous people. They are "beloved of God" without strings attached. When he called us by the Gospel, there was nothing special in us to recommend us to the Almighty God. We are like those the Lord Jesus spoke about in a parable who were "poor, maimed, halt and blind," who lived out on the highways and byways. He loved us with a sovereign love that knows no limits.
Not only are we loved by God, but He has identified us as "saints:" those set apart to be a holy people. This is not sainthood bestowed because of some miraculous work done. This is not sainthood passed on to us from those who were used by God in some special work of the Lord. This is not passed on because we are in saintly families or because we were born in a Christian country. This was an act of God's will to love us and call us to holiness because He is holy.
The common greeting of Greeks was "Charis," (grace) and the Hebrews was "Shalom," (peace). This was used by the apostle when greeting the believers at Rome. But here these two words mean a whole lot more than they would have normally conveyed. "Grace" links us with the Source of grace, God our Father. The gift of unmerited favor is so much more than a common salutation. "Peace" has come to us through the blood of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is far more than a casual "shalom" given in passing. This is the total well-being and security that has been provided for us by our Lord Jesus Christ. We are at peace with Him and through Him.
To many it may seem but a casual greeting - Similar to those we give when a person we are meeting. But this is so much more when we take note of the different persons. These are the beloved of God, even though they were Romans Who would be feared perhaps, and maybe despised by the Jews. However, both Jews and Gentiles are those whom God did choose To set His love upon and set them apart for Him - To be god-like and holy, and separated from sin.
Their holy calling had nothing to do with their worldly station - Nor was there any reason to love and call them because of their great nation. God who is the Sovereign had a purpose to fulfill through them - Even though they were going to be persecuted and tortured by cruel men. Their calling was to shine as lights in a very dark and ungodly world - And to tell out the Good News of the Gospel as befits a heaven -sent herald - Who could identify with those who still lay in deep unholy darkness - But would join the ranks of the redeemed when to the Gospel message they would hearken.
These people were beloved of God, and so also are we. God intends saintly people to be where other people can see The results of His grace lived out in His own in daily situations - And that grace brings a clear testimony because of their consecration To God and His truth, His kingdom and His Church - Their testimony is strengthened by God Himself who loves them so much - And the peace they have has been purchased by the blood of the cross Jesus shed. Now they are a new creation in Him, they are like those who are alive from the dead.
"Holy God my Father, I thank Thee for Thy grace that has been so bounteously supplied to this poor ungodly sinner. By Thy grace I have been saved. Now Thy grace is able to be not only experienced but demonstrated. Please enable me to demonstrate Thy grace today as I meet with people in various walks of life. If it is to demonstrate grace without words, I pray Thee to make it visible to those who need to see godliness. If it is to be words spoken, may they all be gracious words. May the peace I have through the Lord Jesus Christ be able to be seen in expressions and attitudes I display. May the peace of Christ be something people can see and learn from. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."