Daily Devotional – Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Romans 16:4 (NKJV)
Paul was closing his letter to the believers in Rome when he began mentioning people he had known and worked with. Among them were Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife who had shared in his ministry. Paul remembered something deeply personal about them. At some point, they had put their own lives at risk for his sake. He never tells us exactly what happened. What matters here is that when Paul needed them, they were willing to stand with him.
When Someone Puts You First
You don’t easily forget someone who stands by you like that. Paul could have simply thanked Priscilla and Aquila for their work, their hospitality, or their help in ministry. Instead, he remembered the time when their commitment to him became costly. He says they risked their own lives for his sake. The Gentile churches also knew about what the couple had done and joined Paul in thanking them. Years later, Paul still remembered people who had stood beside him when it really mattered.
We sometimes discover who truly cares about us when life becomes difficult. Someone can be warm and friendly when everything is going well, yet disappear when you really need them. Priscilla and Aquila showed Paul what their friendship really meant. When his life was at risk, they were willing to put themselves in danger to protect him. Paul remembered that kindness because he knew what it had cost them. Sometimes caring for someone means giving more than you planned to offer
When Friendship Is Put to the Test
You probably remember someone who stood by you during a difficult season. Maybe they came when you needed help, listened when you needed to talk, or spoke for you when you could not speak for yourself. You may never have told them how much that meant to you. You may remember what someone did for you long after they have forgotten it. A few sincere words of gratitude can tell someone that their kindness mattered and that you have not forgotten what they did.
Think about the people who have supported you during difficult times. Take time to thank at least one of them. Then ask yourself who might need that same kind of support from you now. You may have a friend carrying a burden, a relative facing uncertainty, or someone around you who simply needs to know that they are not alone. It does not have to be something dramatic. Sometimes standing with someone begins with showing up, listening, and staying when leaving would be easier.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the people who have stood with me when I needed them. Help me appreciate them. Give me the courage to support someone else when they need me.
