Romans 1:8-13, Traits of Biblical Love
Romans 1:8-13 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Paul had a deep concern for God’s children even in far away lands. He had not personally met the believers in Rome yet he loved them dearly in the Lord. He was glad that the Christians in Rome were strong in their faith in a largely pagan environment. He demonstrated his love for them by praying for them. This is an example worthy of our emulation. He was not just concerned with the believers in his physical proximity but those in far away places. Such was the extent of his love for the brethren.