How do you affect the atmosphere in a room when you enter? You may not know the effect you have, but you do have one. People never dread someone who leaves them better. Paul was eager to see the believers at Rome because he was eager to serve them.
The truth is, others are always eager to see someone who is eager to serve. We all take something from others throughout the day. Just the other day, my battery was dead in my truck, so I asked a friend to help me get started. That is fine to do, but if I always ask this friend for something when I see him, he will start to dread seeing me!
How do people feel when you walk into the room? Are they dreadful because you will ask for something, or are they refreshed because you will leave them better? If you are only a taker, people will dread your coming! On the other hand, if you are eager to serve, you*ll find that people will be eager to see you!
Paul said, Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers. Do you want to have good will towards those you are serving? Try praying for them! It is hard not to do good toward someone for whom you*ve prayed; it is hard to do anything but take from someone you never think about.
The bottom line is this: the more you invest in people by serving them, the more equity you have to withdraw. Are you serving others? Do others dread seeing you? Do you leave others refreshed?