READING: Romans 1-4, Acts 20:1-3
“to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. . . .”
Romans 1:12
I cannot tell you how many times the people of God have encouraged me. Years ago as a young pastor, I was weeping over a tough encounter with a deacon when another deacon saw me, put his arm around me, prayed for me – and encouraged me. Years after that, I went through a broken marriage engagement and prepared to resign from my pastorate – when the men of God loved me in my failure and encouraged me to press on. As a professor, I cannot number times that veteran professors have taught me, inspired me, modeled faith for me – and encouraged me.
Encouragement for believers – it’s a big deal.
Paul knew that truth, and that’s one reason he wanted to get to Rome to meet the believers there: “For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Rom. 1:11-12). What strikes me is that not only does Paul want to strengthen and encourage the Romans, but he also recognizes that their walk with God will encourage him. This is Paul—the apostle extraordinaire—who himself found encouragement when others walked with God. He had heard about the Romans’ faith and the spread of the gospel through them, and he wanted to be with them. Just being with them would apparently be encouraging.
ACTION STEPS:
- Live your life in such a way that your faith encourages others.
- Send somebody an encouragement email today.
PRAYER: “Lord, I thank You for all those who have encouraged me through the years. Help me to encourage others.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Romans 5-8