January 1 Reading: Romans 1-2
11 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.
In this text, we read about Paul’s earnest desire to be with the believers who are in Rome. They are dear to his heart indicated by naming so many of them in the closing chapter of Romans.
People are important — your family members, your church family, your friends, your colleagues, your acquaintances, and even the stranger. Here Paul desires to be a spiritual blessing to strengthen the church in Rome. But notice that he is looking forward to being ‘encouraged’ by them and their faith also. In fact, at some level, he already has according to Romans 1:8.
How many times have you set out to encourage someone and then realized you had been the one who has been encouraged? Spending time with people in your local church, or brothers and sisters in Christ is a ‘mutually encouraging’ exercise. So be encouraged to spend time with fellow believers and watch to see how your faith is strengthened and encouraged.
God’s love for us gives us the reason to encourage others.
God’s love in us gives us the ability to encourage others.
God’s love through us gives us the way to encourage others. – J. Maxwell