For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12
A little shorter one today – I just love this pointer to the importance of the gift God has given us in each other. Just yesterday Paul was talking about his gratefulness of the Roman church and how their faith was renown across the land, undoubtedly an encouragement to him and an admiration he had of them. Now here Paul is talking about the spiritual gift of instruction he is bringing them in this letter to strengthen them. So, the mutual encouragement is so powerful for both.
APPLICATION
I am so grateful for my wife and the men the Lord has placed in my life. My brothers on the church elder board, the pastors I serve alongside, the men I am able to disciple, and the men who have been so instrumental in my life (my dad, my Uncle Rich, and many others).
One of the things my Uncle Rich shared with me before the Lord took him home to glory, was – “Ben, after you have placed all of your hope and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and love Him with your whole mind, soul, and strength — then do this one thing…INVEST IN PEOPLE.” That, tested by scripture and guided by my walk with Jesus, has been something that has given me the perspective to LOVE others.